The organisers of a community festival have vowed to still go ahead with the event despite being unsuccessful in securing a grant which forms a large part of their funding.

The organisers of a community festival have vowed to still go ahead with the event despite being unsuccessful in securing a grant which forms a large part of their funding.

Bosses of The Happing Festival, one of north Norfolk's biggest community events, appealed for help earlier this month to help with funding, after being unable to secure a National Lottery Awards for All grant of �10,000, which makes up roughly half the festival costs.

In fact they were worried they may be forced to cancel a concert in Stalham Church with world renowned keyboard player Rick Wakeman who lives at Scole.

They have since reapplied for the lottery grant but again were not successful.

However, they are determined to carry on with the festival, which has events taking place from May through to September, and keep Mr Wakeman as their headline act.

Actress Judi Daykin, who is chairman of Happing Partnership, said: 'It was unfortunate we did not get the lottery funding, but we have been given some from Red House Youth Projects and Norfolk Community Foundation which will ensure we can fund three weeks of summer youth drama workshops.

'The other events we have booked we will be covering from the takings at the box office. We will definitely be having Rick Wakeman as the headline act, which we are really pleased about.'

Among the other events taking place are an evening with Sid Kipper, a classical concert with St Martin in the Fields and a screening of local film, The Broads.

As well as the grants from Red House and Norfolk Community Foundation, Norfolk County Council has also given a grant of �750 which will help secure a number of the summer community events.

To find out more about the festival or to help with sponsorship for the events, contact the organisers on 01692 580525 or visit

www.happing.co.uk