Plans commence for Frome's 2008 Festival

Date: 27/9/07

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Frome Festival 2008 will take place from Friday 4th July to Sunday 13th July next year say the trustees of the Frome Festival following their meeting on 17th September.

The news comes just days after the festival's director Martin Bax stepped down after seven successful years co-ordinating the festival.

Trustee, John Birkett-Smith said, "The Frome Festival owes its very existence to Martin Bax - his vision and determination made it the success that it is. We understand his need to stand back after so much effort for over seven years. The town owes him a great debt of gratitude and we are determined to continue Martin's project."

The trustees are currently in the process of appointing a new artistic director.

Jeremy Towler, one of the festival's trustees said, "We want to get the festival on a professional footing so that it can be run by professionals, but obviously we would need to pay them which is difficult. Martin has been able to volunteer his time in the past but as far as funding for this goes, we are always investigating new ways of gaining funding.

"The festival has recently become a registered charity, which opens up the possibility of new funding streams. Presently, the festival is limited to revenue funding from local authorities and the Arts Council.

"We have recently achieved charitable status, for which we've had confirmation in the last couple of months, and are hoping this will unlock funds for the future.

"The biggest part of the funding comes through ticket sales and we also get a very generous grant from the town council - a significant percentage of their budget is allocated to the festival. Unfortunately, the other two councils are not as financially supportive.

"Currently, the artistic team are still discussing things for next year. We do have things in mind."

Bob Morris, who is the chairman of the Frome Festival Trust said, "We have had money in the past from all three tiers of local government. When you look at the town council's contribution with regard to their overall budget, they're a great support.

"The festival is a very significant event for the town. However, it is also a significant event for the district and the county. Though we have had money from these two tiers it hasn't matched the support other similar festivals in other areas have had from the larger public authorities."