Music fans can adopt a gig at an award-winning festival.

Organisers of Marsden Jazz Festival are offering the chance to sponsor a free gig at its 25th anniversary event, which will take place next October.

Sponsorship costs £50 per gig and can also be bought and given to someone else as a Christmas present.

The new initiative has come about as Kirklees Council confirmed it would be unable to provide funding for next year’s festival due to budget cuts.

This year, more than 10,000 people attended the festival, with events held in 26 venues.

Some 60 volunteers gave up their time to make the weekend a success.

Festival producer, Barney Stevenson, said: “Our latest festival saw over 130 hours of live music take place in one weekend and we’re proud to showcase a wide range of jazz musicians from internationally-acclaimed artists to local school bands and rising talent.

“Kirklees Council has been a fantastic supporter of the festival over the years and provided £10,000 this year which we used towards the 70 free events that took place throughout the weekend.

Barney Stevenson with the outstanding established festival award

“Unfortunately the council won’t be able to help fund the festival in 2016 and we’re asking festival goers to adopt a gig for just £50 to help us raise the funding we need for the free gigs.

“We think it’ll make a really great Christmas gift for people who enjoy coming to the festival every year and soaking up its unique atmosphere.”

The jazz festival was named ‘Outstanding Established Festival’ at the Yorkshire Gig Guide Grassroots Awards 2015.

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Local businesses are also being asked to show their support for the festival, a registered charity, by becoming an official sponsor.

Everyone who makes a donation will receive an e-certificate and have their name printed in the 2016 festival programme.

To adopt a gig, go to www.marsdenjazzfestival.com/adopt-a-gig .