A THREATENED music festival could still go ahead this year, thanks to a task force set up to save the event.

The Stanley Blues Festival looks increasingly likely to take place this summer - and a new, free music event could also take place in Consett.

The blues festival was in danger of folding after Derwentside District Council withdrew its funding and administrative support.

But a report to the council's executive body, which is due to meet next week, claims the free event is back on track.

A Festivals Working Group, set up to save the event, has put forward Saturday, August 7, as the likely date, at its traditional venue of the Kings Head playing fields in Stanley.

The group consists of music co-operative Northern Recording, of Consett, which runs the event in partnership with the council, along with Durham County Council. It has been working to find alternative funding, such as outside sponsorship.

The group was formed when the council withdrew funding for the festival last year, as it was forced to slash its budget by £1m, in order to keep its election promise of a 2.5 per cent council tax rise.

The festival has been running for 11 years, and last year attracted more than 12,000 people.

It is estimated that it brings an extra £500,000 a year into the local economy.

The council report also suggests that a new festival is established for the Consett area, also starting this summer.

The event could replace the doomed Allensford Festival and is pencilled in for Saturday, August 28, at the Berry Edge site in Consett, or Blackhill and Consett Park.

It will centre on Roots, a day of music organised by Northern Recording, which was the most popular element of the Allensford event.

But as yet there is no clear indication from the council or the steering group as to what shape either festival will take.

Paul Green of Northern Recording declined to comment on the report.

The district council's executive will look at the proposmals at a meeting on Monday, at 4.30pm, in Consett Civic Centre.