Next year's Balham Festival may be compressed into three days in a bid to attract more visitors and increase its impact beyond the borough.

It is just one suggestion being examined by organisers to provide the best ever festival, enjoyed and organised by people of every age and cultural background.

Last June the fifth annual festival was held over 10 days but organisers believe more people, particularly those from outside the borough, will visit if it is compressed into a long weekend.

They have also suggested re-routing the carnival so it meets the mass of visitors enjoying a Fun Day on the common.

Other suggestions include linking the festival with other arts festivals in London, providing a bigger venue for the film festival and working with art market groups to put on bigger and also interactive exhibitions.

But organisers told the News they can only deliver if more residents take part in the organisation and publicity of the event.

Stephen Spark, chairman of the festival committee, said: "We really need people to help out with the festival to make it a big success.

"It is a great opportunity for people of all ages to play a part in the community and do things they don't normally get a chance to do."

They also want to cater more for children, both at the event and all year round.

Mr Spark said: "There is a desperate shortage of things for kids to do in the area - we have been without a youth worker for years.

"We want to develop workshops and events in conjunction with the festival that can offer opportunities all year round."

Although the committee receives funding from the council, it still has to raise £17,500 for the festival to go ahead.

Most comes from grants and donations but they are constantly looking for funding from other sources.

Sue Webber, Balham town centre manager, said: "We hope to gain charitable status which will help with VAT and grants, but we always welcome donations.

"We want to extend the festival to attract all ages and cultures. It is a key means of promoting Balham as a place in its own right and its diverse community."

Residents and businesses are invited to attend a presentation this coming Monday, December 3, to have their say and meet those already involved.

It will take place at 7.30pm at the Polish White Eagle Club, 211 Balham High Road.

Residents are also welcome at the annual meeting at 7pm. Contact Ms Webber on 020 8675 5472 or 07960 178379.

November 30, 2001 11:00