ONCE again Coleford Music Festival was a great success, so special thanks must go to the dedicated group of volunteers who meet weekly throughout the year to create the two-day extravaganza.
The 'Switched-On' team receives no payment for the work they do throughout the year – every penny is spent on the staging, infrastructure and performers who appear at the event. The group lost a few members in 2003 and that made the challenge even greater. So all credit to them and the loyal retailers, shop keepers, landlords and local funding bodies who gave us such a spectacular show last Bank Holiday weekend.
The 2003 Switched On committee: John Belcher (chairman), Amanda Smith, Vicki Thornton, Neal Harden, Peter Colley, Janine Harrison and Nikki Gwilliam probably deserve an MBE each, but maybe they would settle for the freedom of the town!
Many local people gave time to help out as stewards, stage crews and cleaners, and without their help the committee couldn't operate. And then there's the local musicians and groups who helped to co-ordinate the entertainment on the St John, Mushet and Acoustic stages – all of which presented first class performances across a broad range of styles.
Now, of course, thoughts turn to 2004. The committee would be very keen to hear from anyone who would like to get involved. Meetings will start again in September following the AGM, initially bi-monthly and then weekly in the New Year. Meetings last about three hours. There are positions to be filled, and all committed volunteers are welcome. To get in touch telephone 01594 839111 or send an email through the Festival website www. colefordfestival.co.uk
Suggestions for more attractions and activities for children, better control of drinking on the streets, and other good ideas are already coming in. All suggestions are welcome. If readers wish to make a suggestion they should send a shot letter to Switched On, PO Box 4, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8YH to ensure that their thoughts are read out at a future meeting.
The Switched On committee was founded in 1999 to give everyone who lives or works in Coleford an event to be proud of, a broad selection of world music and home grown talent to enjoy, and an example that other towns and organisations can copy. It has become very successful on all counts. Roll on Bank Holiday weekend 2004. – David Thornton, Switched On Committee (1999-2003), Coleford.