THE TOWN's flagging Folk Festival is to be relaunched with a new image and format.

Two disastrous years had put the annual event in jeopardy.

But now a group of the most ardent enthusiasts have come up with a rescue package that they hope will put Nantwich at the centre of Britain's folk scene.

They are determined the three day event should survive and have come up with a new strategy.

Re-launched as Nantwich Folk and Roots, the Festival's successor will aim to please and involve the whole community.

"It won't just be directed at the hardcore of folk festival goers who travel the country. They will be welcome of course, but we also want to involve more local people.

Nantwich Folk and Roots is not about formal concerts in hushed theatres. The event will involve the whole town on some level," said the new committee's marketing manager John Dalgleish.

Marketing is his business and he is planning a professional approach to selling the event and attracting important sponsorship.

The committee members believe that £20,000 is the amount needed to ensure the '99 event, on August 20-22, is a success.

They intend to raise the cash with help from national and local businesses, councils and arts organisations.

"At this early stage we have had encouragement from the borough council, Nantwich Town Council, press and the town's Business Forum members. We are hopeful that the North West Arts Board will also back us," said John.

The proposed new format will broaden the spectrum of music and dance. There will be workshops in music, dancing, juggling and crafts. Concerts and gigs will be staged on many different levels, from street entertainment in the square to solo and duo performers, bands, poets, storytellers and acoustic folk sessions in pubs.

There will be performances from some of the best folk performers in the land and the festival will continue and develop its international links and contributions.

"We want to cut out an identity for the festival that shows that whilst remaining dedicated to Folk and Roots music and culture the event is not limited to arran sweaters, tankards and fingers in ears," said John.

"The committee is dedicated to reversing the festival's decline and, over the next few years, developing an annual event in Nantwich to rival the most successful summer music festivals of the south," he added.

ALONG with the bid for sponsorship the new committee, led by chairman Clare Smith, treasurer Dave Hogg and secretary Jessica Barr, will also be organising fund-raisers and hoping to persuade other interested groups in the borough to chip in and help.

As a preview of the Festival a fund-raising gig has been lined up for Saturday, March 27, in the Civic Hall.

Popular local groups, Tower Struck Down and Mad Dog will provide the music. For tickets and futher information ring 628633.

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