THOUSANDS of people from different cultures could be set to attend a new music and arts festival in East Lancashire next year.

The new Blackburn Festival is a replacement for the previous Arts in the Park and Blackburn Mela events which used to attract more than 15,000 people but were scrapped in 2008.

Now around around £25,000 has been pledged by the borough council and the town’s college to get the event off the ground.

The event in Witton Park could headline a ‘big name act’ along with a varied multi-cultural mix of performers and cultural events.

Blackburn with Darwen council has given £15,000 towards the festival along with officer support and advice to get it off the ground while Blackburn college has pledged £10,000.

The organisers now need the cash sponsorship and people to turn the plan into an annual reality.

The two day festival will take place on June 15-16, 2103 and aims to feature the best in East Lancashire live music and arts.

Taking place in Witton Park with no charge from the council, it is being organised by volunteers including music promoters, artists and voluntary sector staff, who met in December 2011 at Blackburn Library.

Festival chair Alex Martindale, 32, an IT professional, said “The festival will be based on Arts in the Park and Blackburn Mela but feature a wider spectrum of arts including dance, comedy and visual arts, music and theatre.

“Festivals bring together people from different backgrounds, cultures and age groups, offering them the opportunity to celebrate the good things about their town.”

It is looking for supporters to join the committee as well as community groups, local artists and musicians to take part.

The committee is seeking local companies interested in sponsoring the festival. Volunteers are also needed for jobs including stewarding, stage hands and parking attendants.

Council executive member for leisure and culture, Damian Talbot, said: “I hope as many residents as possible get involved.

“It will not only be a fantastic family event that will boost community spirit but it is also a great opportunity for groups, charities and arts organisation to showcase what they do.”