MUSICIANS in St Neots have launched a campaign to revive a dedicated, large-scale music festival that was last held in the town more than 15 years ago. Sunfest, a one-day music festival, was last staged in 1993 at Priory Park. It featured more than 20 Hun

MUSICIANS in St Neots have launched a campaign to revive a dedicated, large-scale music festival that was last held in the town more than 15 years ago.

Sunfest, a one-day music festival, was last staged in 1993 at Priory Park. It featured more than 20 Huntingdonshire-based bands and attracted 10,000 people.

And now, it could be on its way back.

The revival is being led by Eaton Socon musician Dave Wiggins, who plays in the bands Wiggy's Rock Show and the 21st Century Blues Brothers.

Mr Wiggins launched a campaign on the social networking site, Facebook, on Saturday and is urging people to pledge their support.

Already 200 people have backed the idea.

"The event was a huge success, but was never staged again simply because of funding issues," he told The Hunts Post. "This has prompted me to start a campaign to revive this festival, even if we do it just one more time.

"To get the ball rolling, I have set up a group on Facebook which people can join."

Mr Wiggins added: "I realise how much hard work and red tape is going to be involved in even getting the idea off the ground, but great oaks grow from small acorns, and this is simply the starting point. So please show your support for live music, and young and upcoming musicians, and your community spirit by joining the group."

He believes St Neots has the population, space, musicians and enthusiasm to stage the event but would need the support of the town council.

Cllr Gordon Thorpe, town mayor, said he was in favour of anything that supported the town.

"As long as there is no extra cost to the town's taxpayers and the event generates its own funding, then it sounds like a good idea."

He suggested Sunfest should work with the St Neots Riverside Festival (this year's takes place on August 29 and August 30 in Regatta Meadow).

Tom McCormick, St Neots town centre manager, who is organising the Riverside Festival, said day two of his festival is already dubbed Sunfest.

"If people come along on Sunday, August 30 they will see that Sunfest has been revived and there is no reason why it can't grow over the years with more local support."

However, Mr Wiggins, 35, said a Sunfest revival should be a standalone live music event for both new and established bands.

He added: "It would take a lot of organising but with the support of local musicians, bands and the town council I'm sure we could bring back Sunfest."

INFORMATION: Show your support for Sunfest by e-mailing wiggy@wiggysrockshow.co.uk