Curtain comes down on Mundesley Festival
Steve Hewlett with his puppet Arthur were one of the headline acts at Mundesley Festival this year. - Credit: Colin Finch
Fears have been voiced that the curtain could come down for good on an annual arts festival which has attracted some of the biggest names in showbusiness to a village on the coast.
Mundesley Festival manager Derek Kirk. Picture: PAUL DAMEN - Credit: PAUL DAMEN
The Mike James Swing Band headline the last night of this year's Mundesley Festival with a performance in the Coronation Hall tonight (Friday).
However, after 33 years of festivities which have raised thousands of pounds for charity, the North Norfolk News understands that organiser Derek Kirk, now in his 80s, has decided to call it a day.
Britain's Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett and vocal harmony group The Glamophones were among the star attractions during this year's week-long programme of shows.
But, with no-one set to replace him, local residents believe tonight's performance could be the last.
The Glamophones also performed at the Mundesley Festival. - Credit: Archant
Mr Kirk declined to comment until after the festival is over.
But a source close to him told us: 'Mundesley Festival is finishing completely as Derek Kirk is retiring from organising it and he has been unable to find anyone to take it over.
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'Derek has been finding acts and organising it all for at least half of the 33 years. He has a good team of volunteers to help him, but most are elderly retired.'
Tickets for tonight's show, which starts at 7.45pm, may still be available from the box office on the village's shoppers' car park, open daily from 10am to 4pm, or call 01263 721189/07867632998.
