GRANTS have been awarded to two of Burnham’s most popular events.

RIVERfest and the Burnham Art Trail have both been given funds by Burnham Town Council to put towards this year’s festivities.

Councillors agreed £400 should be awarded to the art trail, which will be put towards updating the event’s website, printing and postage of posters, invitations and guides, and £1,000 to RIVERfest.

The festival was cancelled last year due to lack of volunteers but is taking place this year on Saturday June 20 and Sunday June 21.

Although councillors approved the grant, they also expressed concerns about the festival not going ahead again this year and asked for more details about the 2007 event and assurance it will definitely be held.

Diane Defontaine, festival co-ordinator, said continuing support from local organisations, council grants, donations and sponsorship, as well as the committee’s own fundraising, are vital in keeping the music and arts event going year to year.

She said: “We’ve got to apply for more funding as well but we’re delighted the council has given us the £1,000.

“As far as we’re concerned it’s going ahead, unless something drastic happens.

“A few more volunteers have come forward so we have a full-strength team in place to organise it, although we will need more on the weekend itself.”

The art trail will be held from Saturday June 20 to Sunday June 29.

In a letter to David McNeill, town clerk, Tracy Saunders, Burnham Art Trail co-ordinator, said 900 people took part in last year’s event and feedback from shops and businesses reported an increase in visitors to the town.

She said: “The general comments I received from people doing the trail were very positive.

“I feel very much committed to ensuring that the 2009 Burnham Art Trail builds on the success of previous years.”