HORWICH Music Festival will not take place next year unless volunteers come forward to take the reins.

The previous committee announced they are unable to continue organising the festival and would step down.

Meanwhile, a temporary sub-committee of councillors Kevin McKeon, Ian Carruthers and Gordon Stone has been created to decide what to do next.

Cllr Stone said: “We have created a small sub-committee just transitionally looking for a new committee to move it forward.”

The Horwich town councillor said that there has been some interest in keeping the festival going but he is keen to hear how the event could pay for itself.

The springtime festival made up of a series of events, started in 2016 and is funded by a Horwich Town Council grant with sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Horwich.

The previous organising committee of Cllr Chris Root, Neil Brown, Helen and Mike Walker have now returned the balance left over from the grant.

The sub-committee now needs to establish whether there is enough demand for the festival to continue.

Cllr Stone said he does not want further disappointment following Horwich In Bloom which was cancelled due to a lack of interest.

He said: “It’s what town councils are there for. For small things like that. We have to be thoughtful of that while providing good value for money. But it’s the community that needs to be organising it, not the councillors.”

He also said that he wants the festival to attract a younger audience by including different acts on the line up.

Previous acts include The Dixie Beats, Mark Radcliffe and regulars Horwich RMI Brass Band. Most events take place at Horwich Community Centre.

A decision will need to be made by the end of the month so that the new organising committee will have enough time to plan and publicise the event.

The sub-committee intend to hold a public meeting for those interested in taking the festival forward which is likely to take place in the week commencing October 22.

If you would be interested in helping organise the festival or if you are a local business that could offer support, email townclerk@horwich.gov.uk or call 01204 691090.