THIS year's Old Town Festival has been officially declared a roaring success and plans are already under way for the 2008 event.

The festival, which was held in the first two weeks of July, was hit by torrential downpours, but still raised enough money to help a number of local charities.

At a meeting on Monday evening, the organising committee had a chance to look back at its success and get the ball rolling for next year's celebrations.

The 2008 festival will take place from Saturday, June 21 to Sunday, June 29.

Brian Mattock, who was re-elected as chairman of the organising committee at the meeting said: "We have had a bit of a break to recharge our batteries and are all raring to go for 2008.

"Apart from the weather, it was the most successful festival ever.

"The amount of people who came was incredible, particularly bearing in mind that at the start of some of the days it was very stormy.

"Despite terrible rain we managed to make a profit, and we'll be meeting again in November to work out the amount that we'll need to reinvest in next year and the amount that can go to local charities.

"We had great numbers and those that came really enjoyed themselves.

"At the medieval banquet we had 180 people and every one of them had a really good time."

Flooding meant that concerts in the Town Gardens had to be cancelled at the last minute, but Mr Mattock said it still did not detract from the festival's overall popularity.

The Bowl concerts were planned to give families the chance to enjoy live music with a picnic on the grass, and forecasts of further heavy rain meant the shows were halted.

"It was disappointing for everyone that we had to cancel but, looking back, it was the best decision," Mr Mattock said.

"It really wasn't possible to get people into the Town Gardens without worrying about them sinking into the mud."

Mr Mattock said that plans for next year's festival were still very vague and they were hoping to find out from business partners and the community which parts they liked and wanted to see again.

"All of the organising committees have been chosen and planning can now start for next year's summer festival. We've even got some new faces joining us, which is fantastic," he said.

"We would be delighted to welcome on board anyone else who would like to get involved in what's happening, either during the run-up, or the festival itself. People can help out for as much or as little as they like."

Anyone wanting to help organise the 2008 Old Town Festival should call Mr Mattock on 01793 522540.