Opera is expensive to produce. In spite of the fact that our soloists often perform for a fee well below the norm, and that all our administration is voluntary, ticket sales etc. do not cover the full costs. In the past, we have been fortunate to have had the support of the Arts Council, The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, local authorities and local individuals. Sponsorship from businesses and grants from Charitable Trusts provide additional funding, but it is invariably necessary each year for the Friends to offer support from accumulated funds.