Hopes to create new version of axed Ludlow Festival
Artists, performers, exhibitors and fundraisers could join forces to create a new version of the axed Ludlow Festival, it has been claimed.
A call has gone out for enthusiasts and supporters of the arts to attend a public meeting on November 22 to see what can be salvaged from the wreckage of the festival.
It folded after more than 50 years with organisers blaming horrendous downpours during the summer for the event posting significant losses.
Local artist Anita Bigsby said it would be 'shocking' if nothing could be done to save at least parts of the former two-week festival, which attracted thousands of visitors to the town every year.
It comes after officials at Ludlow Castle insisted last week there would be a festival in some form in the town next summer.
Ms Bigsby, who taught art at Ludlow College for 10 years, said: "I'm heading up things but I'm looking to work with other people. There are so many creative people locally, it would be shocking if a new version of the festival could not be organised.
"At the moment everyone is quite unsure about the way forward but the meeting will be a chance of bringing everyone together.
"I want as many local people to come to the meeting as possible and share their ideas and visions for a new festival. It will be a new festival for a new era.
"It's important that we try and get one established. The old festival pulled in about 15,000 people every year and local businesses need the money they bring with them."
Last week Ludlow Festival trustees said there had been problems with different aspects of the former festival but said the 'appalling wet weather' at this year's event hit ticket sales and decimated finances.
An open-air performance of Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing at Ludlow Castle on July 6 was called off at short notice after heavy rain flooded parts of the inner bailey.
Festival chiefs added without public subsidy and increased competition they had no choice but to cancel the event.
Ms Bigsby added the meeting would also act as a sounding board to potential sponsors. The meeting on November 22 will begin at 7.30pm at Ludlow Brewery in Station Drive.
