THE Marsh area has won a £2,500 grant to stage a community festival and they've offered an open invitation to everyone in the district.

The lottery cash will go towards £500 from the Single Regeneration Budget to help organise the festival on Coronation Field just off Willow Lane.

The festival is planned for August 5 and one of the organisers Tony Yates said: "I'm delighted that we've got the award. It should ensure that we put on a really good show and that the festival is a success."

They hope to set up stalls and games through the day including displays from the fire brigade and police dog handlers. In the evening they hope to organise a programme of live music from local bands. Castle Ward councillor Jon Barry, who originally suggested the idea and is on the organising committee, said: "We are trying to organise the equivalent of a village fete here in the centre of the city. Coronation Field is a well used community asset, a bit like a village green, and it's only right that we should have a festival. It's great that we've got this money to organise the event and I want it to be as community led with as many local people getting involved as possible."

Some of the money will be used to hire a PA so that local bands can entertain the crowd. Organisers are still looking for up and coming bands to get involved and if you want to take part call 844113.

Cllr Barry added: "We're hoping to build on the increasing community spirit in the area and maybe other parts of the district will follow suit and organise their own festivals. It shows that local communities can organise their own events and do things for themselves. On the day we want as many people as possible to come and enjoy it - everyone is welcome."