AMBITIOUS plans are underway for a two day Forest music event for Lydney which could rival the threatened Coleford Music Festival.

Stuart Meek, 32, of Blakeney and Tom Greedy, 23, of Chaxhill have masterminded the Forest Music Festival, which would avoid heavy policing costs by being held on private land.

Coleford organisers are currently struggling to raise new fees of £28,000 from Gloucestershire police which will take effect from April 1. Last year the event had to be cancelled because of funding problems.

Stuart said: "If we hold our festival on private land, it means we could use private security and would not need to police such a large area."

They have been quoted a security and stewarding fee of £15,500 which would include 25 security personnel and 80 stewards.

Between 1,000 and 1,500 people would be able to attend and acts would perform on a large outdoor stage and a large marquee. Proceeds would go to young people's charities and good causes in the Forest.

The initial proposal says: "The event will be closed off from the public to allow an entrance fee and to prevent many other issues such as excessive alcohol being brought on site and overcrowding.

"The intention is to organise an event that promotes talent from the local area while also bringing in better known artists from surrounding areas.

"A varied music policy will be implemented with an emphasis on quality not normally found in the Forest of Dean."

A combination of local bands and talent from Bristol and beyond would be asked to perform at the weekend event and the music will include reggae, dancehall, ska, disco and rock.