Twestival aiming to raise $1m for charity: water

The event is taking place in 175+ cities around the world on February 12 and was organised through volunteers on microblogging website Twitter.

It aims to raise money for charity: water, a non-profit organisation bringing clean drinking water to people in developing countries, and so far has smashed its fundraising goals.

Amanda Rose, Twestival global organiser said: "The layers of contribution from international volunteers and the sheer scope of Twestival could not have been possible a few years ago -- certainly not within a few weeks. 

"The Twitter community has been able to rally round this cause instantly, mobilizing talents and resources to use technology for social good."

Twitter co-founder Ev Williams, said: "We at Twitter are constantly amazed at the daily initiatives, events, movements and moments we see on Twitter, but Twestival has blown us away.

"The global and city teams have done an amazing job and we're as excited as everyone!"

Tickets for the London event, being held in Shoreditch, sold out in less than an hour when initially released.

Extra spill-over events are planned to take place around the city to meet the demand in interest.

More donations are expected at the individual events, which will go directly to charity: water.

Earlier this month Twestival organisers launched Twestival.fm, an online music project to raise additional funds for charity: water.

Artists, musicians and labels -- including Bloc Party, Mystery Jets, The Rakes, Erol Alkan, Imogen Heap and David Usher -- donated their music to Twetival.fm for download and streaming, available until February 19.

The news follows a report this morning that Twitter is to consider charging brands to use the microblogging service.

Read Gordon's Republic -- Twitter should charge business users.