ONE of the most popular musical events in Wantage, which has entertained thousands of people over the past 30 years, is in crisis.

The annual Wantage Music Festival, which provides a platform for the cream of local musical talent each year, is desperately seeking a new venue for next year's season.

The summer festival, which was first staged in 1977 to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee, is losing its accustomed 'home' with the impending departure of St Mary's private girls' school, in Newbury Street, which is about to merge with Heathfield School in Ascot, Berkshire.

The festival took place in July, but its many supporters fear this may well have been its last local performance.

The school's prime town centre site is being sold for housing, but festival organisers believe that the present performing arts centre they use on the site should be retained.

This summer, the festival's chairman, Rickman Godlee, a local GP, said: "There are very many people who are keen that the music festival should continue. There are though, as yet, no plans for 2007."

Now the festival committee faces critical decisions at its annual meeting on October 5.

The meeting, being held at the Methodist church hall in Church Street, just three minutes' walk from St Mary's, will discuss what options and plans are available to them and the committee have invited ideas and suggestions from their local supporters.

Bob McLatchie, the festival association's chairman, told the Wantage Herald this week: "Anyone who wants the music festival to continue is urged to come along.

"Various options and plans will be discussed, and your ideas and suggestions are welcome.

"Your support is vital if the festival is to continue."

The festival is affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech, and offers music-makers of all age the opportunity to perform in public, attracting a wide range of entrants from across southern England.

It was founded by the late John Durrant, the former director of music at St Mary's, and a group of local enthusiasts who wished to mark the Queen's Silver Jubilee with a special performance in her honour.

Mr McLatchie said: "The festival has enhanced the reputation of the town with musicians all around. The removal of these facilities is clearly a blow to the organisation."

He added: "Year after year at the Wantage Music Festival I've had the profound pleasure of seeing young musicians - and some older ones, too - blossom and flourish in the friendly atmosphere of constructive support that the festival provides.

"The festival is a jewel in Wantage's crown and we simply must find a way for it to continue."