Festival organisers hotfooting it to the forum

County people wanting to organise fantastic festivals in Herefordshire need to book Wednesday, October 31 in their diaries.

It'll be their chance to get top tips from experts in all things relating to festivals when a special forum takes place at Hereford's Courtyard Centre for the Arts.

This year's Forum for Festival Events Organisers kicks off at 10am and runs until 2pm.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend three sessions with arts professionals. These sessions will explore three important areas for organisers:

· Promoting your event
· Legal issues
· Health and Safety

"Each session is designed to highlight relevant issues faced by event organisers and offer possible ideas and solutions," said Deborah Allison, the council's arts liaison officer.

Facilitators leading the sessions are Chloe Garner - Director of Ledbury Poetry Festival; Kevin O'Keefe - Herefordshire Council legal practice manager; Paul Elkington - of WestEnt Productions.

The forum will be chaired by Jane Lewis, Herefordshire Council's Cultural Services Manager.

"The Festival and Events Forum is an annual event which is now in its tenth year. It's a half-day gathering for people in Herefordshire, and beyond, who enjoy making arts events and entertainment happen in their area," said Jane.

"It doesn't matter whether you're a volunteer or professional; beginner or experienced. There'll be something for all organisers to learn and we're expecting this to be the best one we've held so far," added Jane.

The cost is £10 per person and booking is essential.

Anyone interested should contact arts liaison officer Deborah Allison to receive a booking form. She can be contacted on 01432 260614 or email her at: dallison@herefordshire.gov.uk.