It may be four months away, but plans are already being put in place for this year’s 15th annual March Summer Festival.

Cambs Times: The March Summer Festival. Picture: Steve Williams.The March Summer Festival. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Event organisers The March Summer Festival Committee is holding a drinks reception for potential sponsors and helpers at March Library on Thursday between 5-7pm.

People who have been involved with stewarding, performing or in other ways in the past, or would like to be involved in the future, are also invited.

The festival, which takes place from June 6-8, is one of the town’s highlights of the year - it attracts thousands of people and boasts a big open air covered stage, sound system and dedicated sound gazebo.

A fancy dress competition takes place on Saturday, with a colouring competition and a grand prize draw on Sunday.

Alongside this, there is now an afternoon of children’s activities forming part of Picnic in the Park on the Sunday afternoon.

Once again this year there will be a tribute band, this time popular, local professional Elvis Impersonator Gary Jay, who has made numerous television performances and will be accompanied by a top class backing band.

A parade of vintage vehicles is planned - they will travel through the town ahead of the main parade and congregate at the far end of the park on returning.

March Summer Festival Committee was set up with the help of Andy O’Hanlon, then Fenland District Council Arts Development Officer, in 2000 to help with the running of a community event that would unite the Colourscape Music Festival and the March Lions Gala.

Mr O’Hanlon recruited a small group of volunteers, including Bernard and Sylvia Keane, Patsy Brewin, Clive Lemmon, Maureen James, Stuart Broad, Marcus Phillips, Rodney Crabb and the late Peter Hewitt to assist him in the task, along with representatives from local voluntary organisations.

If you want to know more about the social event or you cannot attend but want to help at the festival phone Clive Lemmon on 01354 653709 or email clive.mtc@btconnect.com