�5000 cash boost for Holt Festival

The new Holt Summer Festival has been boosted by a �5,000 grant from the Arts Council England Lottery Fund. Popular singer Elkie Brooks is headlining the first ever festival which runs from August 3-8, with a mixture of entertainment ranging from classical and contemporary music to poetry, literature, comedy, drama, art, cinema and street performances.

The new Holt Summer Festival has been boosted by a �5,000 grant from the Arts Council England Lottery Fund.

Popular singer Elkie Brooks is headlining the first ever festival which runs from August 3-8, with a mixture of entertainment ranging from classical and contemporary music to poetry, literature, comedy, drama, art, cinema and street performances.

Festival organiser and finance director Rhu Bruce Lockhart said: 'In our inaugural year it has been difficult to attract funding to an untried entity, but the Lottery Fund administrators must have been impressed by plans for such an ambitious festival serving a rural community, and the inclusion of free street performances.

'They may also have taken into account the number of volunteers involved, our marketing and the tremendous support we have had from local sponsors.'

He also thanked other backers including a �400 grant from Holt Town Council.

Festival information is available through the box office based at Cockertons Chartered Surveyors, 1a Market Place, Holt (open 10.30am to 2pm Monday to Saturday) by phone on 01263 712635 or on the web at: www.holtfestival.org.