The community wants Castletown Festival to continue and it is an important part of the town’s social fabric.
That was the resounding view of the public who attended a public meeting to discuss the festival’s future, held on September 11.
Organiser Tony Brown, who is chairman of the festival committee, said he organised the meeting to get public feedback, new ideas and support to lead the festival into the future.
An annual celebration has taken place in the town in various incarnations since the late 1800s and the first Castletown festival was held before the Second World War.
But its future was under threat as the committee struggled to cope and the public meeting was called.
Mr Brown said the meeting was ‘successful’ and around 50 people of all ages turned up. ‘Clearly from the comments made people of all ages see the festival as an important part of our community’s social life.
There was resounding support for the Castletown Festival to continue, especially the confetti carnival and open air dance in the square; those attending indicated that they saw the festival’s events as important community events enjoyed by many, especially children and families.’
There was a ‘good response’ to their request for more committee members, volunteers and stewards.
Views put forward at the meeting will be considered and a nother public meeting will be held within the next couple of months when a new festival committee will also be elected.