ORGANISERS of the Wellington Food Festival, one of the biggest events in the town’s calendar, say reports that its immediate future is in doubt are inaccurate.

They say that although they want to step down from their role, they are confident someone else will take over – and if that does not that happen, they will ensure it continues this year.

Chairman Donna Munson, of Rule 7 in the High Street, Richard Coupe and John Pragnell, who recently died, have organised the event in recent times supported by a dedicated group of volunteers on the day of the fair. “We have been organising it for eight years, and feel it needs new impetus and energy,” said Richard, who is responsible for marketing and publicity. “We are not going to let it fold but we do want someone else to come in and take it on.”

He said that he and Donna would prefer an organisation to take over the event and that they were talking to the Rotary Club of Wellington District and other interested groups.

He said if necessary the existing organisers could act as consultants to a new group or give them help where they needed it. Richard added: “I’m confident of finding someone to take it over – a decision should be made by the end of February. We wouldn’t want the festival to fail, we’ve done a lot of work to get it to this stage.”

The organisers are keen to resolve who will take over quickly as named individuals need to be responsible for obtaining a licence and permission to close roads, which is normally done by the end of the month.

Wellington District Rotary Club president Symon Jeffery said: “There’s a unanimous view that it’s great for the town and would be great for Rotary. We’d want it to continue at its current very successful level. Our concern is whether we have the manpower and resources at present to do it properly.”

Last year’s event attracted nearly 14,000 people and featured more than 60 stalls in the High Street and South Street. Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli cut the ribbon to open the festival and gave cookery demonstrations, and happily mingled with visitors.

Richard also said that he and Donna would like to pay tribute to John Pragnell, who had been instrumental in the organisation of the Food Town concept and the Food Fair since its inception.