Rumours that one of Norfolk's most traditional village festivals is under threat and could come to an end are unfounded and wide of the mark, organisers said last night.
Rumours that one of Norfolk's most traditional village festivals is under threat and could come to an end are unfounded and wide of the mark, organisers said last night.
In fact, the opposite is the case, with a regenerated offering being planned for next year's Worstead Festival, featuring all of the usual attractions - albeit on a slightly revamped site layout.
Revealing that a brand new festival website will be launched between now and January, festival chairman Vic Steyerman said: "It is an exciting time in the life of the festival, a time of challenge and opportunity. Those of us on the organising committee are very eager to plan another great family weekend out."
Mr Steyerman said the rumours have been fuelled by long-standing plans to redevelop part of the festival site for housing, but this information had been misread.
He added: "Things will change to an extent and certain parts of the festival will move from one place to another. But people coming to the festival will see the same level of entertainment and the same quality of offering.
"As a visitor, everything you have seen before and the reason you have come to the festival is going to still be there. You may have to go to a different place in the village to see it, but it will still be there.
"It must be emphasised that the festival will continue to provide the standard of entertainment and a great Norfolk family outing that our regular and supportive public have come to expect - and the aim, as always, is to raise monies for local good causes."
Various parts of next July's event are already in place, with all sponsors signed up for the three- day festival and exhibitor packs due to be sent out, as usual, in January. And organisers are
on the lookout for as many stallholders as possible to bring traditional craft stalls and hand-made goods.
The festival's annual meeting is on November 19 at 7.30pm in the village hall and is open to everyone. The festival itself is on July 25, 26 and 27, 2008.
To contact the festival organisers call 01692 535620 or
e-mail festival@worstead.co.uk
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