The future of a village annual festival in is under threat after its organisers said they would be stepping down. The festival has made a name for itself as one of the highlights of Wheaton Aston’s calendar over the past nine years.
Every year singers, dancers and performers from across the country entertain hundreds who gather in the streets of the village near Stafford for the annual May extravaganza. The event has grown from strength to strength under the guidance of Hilary Holton and Julian Badcock.
However, they have announced that this year will be their last in charge.
Hilary, a nurse at Wolverhampton’s West Park hospital said: “We’ve loved putting on the festival but it’s a huge job and now we feel it’s time to take a back seat and let someone else have a go.”
Villagers are now on the lookout for replacements to come forward to make sure this year’s festivities are not the last.
Resident Ray Cowley said: “For eight years now the normally sleepy village has been a small but important centre of attention in the music world in May.
“During the three-day event, artists from all over Britain have descended on Wheaton Aston to be part of one of the most exciting and varied music festivals to be found anywhere.
“But 2008, the ninth year of the festival, could be the last. The engine of the festival has been two enthusiastic music lovers who took over the organisation of the festival in 1999 and have put their hearts and souls into it every year since.”
This year’s extravaganza will see more than 25 artists, including belly dancers, Morris dancers and rock and classical singers perform.
Crowds will also be entertained with fairground rides at the event, which will run on May 16, 17 and 18.
Tickets cost £37 for the weekend, £95 for a family of two adults and two children, £20 for Saturday only, or £15 for a single performance session. Camping is £6.
For more information call 01785 840010 or go to www.wheatonastonfesti val.supanet.com
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