FULL-throttle plans are under way for a second Griffon Festival next summer and organisers want to hear now from groups and individuals who would like to be involved.

FULL-throttle plans are under way for a second Griffon Festival next summer and organisers want to hear now from groups and individuals who would like to be involved.

The brakes had to be put on this June's inaugural event because festival chiefs did not hear until a few weeks before the launch that they had clinched a crucial �10,000 Big Lottery grant.

But, with most of that cash still in the kitty, they are meeting next week to start drawing up what is hoped will be a packed programme of events for the 2010 festival, from June 14-25.

Festival secretary Liz Williams has already written to about 20 organisations asking if they would like to take part and she would like to hear from anyone willing to organise an activity celebrating the achievements, creativity and heritage to be found in North Walsham and its 25 surrounding parishes.

Events are already likely to include a drama production by North Walsham High School students, the use of Pigney's Wood for a photo and/or art competition, a walk and exhibition centred on the North Walsham and Dilham Canal, storytellers, art displays, performances by junior and infant children in North Walsham and Mundesley, and involvement from the Norfolk Children's Book Centre.

This June's event saw activities on most days but uncertainty over the funding had deterred organisers from being as ambitious as they would have liked, said Mrs Williams.

'This time we would like to get as many people involved, of all generations, as possible,' she added.

'It can be a daytime or evening event and if it can take place in more than one location during the fortnight, so much the better.'

The festival committee hoped it would become an established annual event, providing something for local people, and attracting tourists.

Mrs Williams said: 'We've got the Broads nearby and the north Norfolk coast but this little bit of the area can sometimes feel a bit left out - just somewhere to drive through to get somewhere else. We want to show that in fact there's quite a bit going on and it's worth stopping to find out more.'

The festival committee is chaired by Caroline Brooker, head teacher at North Walsham High School, and includes north Norfolk heritage and drama representatives as well as members from other schools, the Griffon Area Partnership, and county council.

�For more information ring Mrs Williams on 01692 402581 or e-mail her at: ks@northwalshamhigh.norfolk.sch.uk