A ROCKING revival could be on the cards for Maldon's Real Music Festival.

The popular event, which attracted thousands of music lovers and many big names to the town, was axed this year partly due to a lack of funding.

But now the team behind one of the district's most successful fundraising projects is set to reunite.

Richard Fewings, spokesman for Farleigh Hospice which stages and benefits from the event, said plans are still in the early stages but it is hoped that a three-day Real Music Festival will rock Maldon from July 13 to 15 next year.

He said: "We are just going round trying to get sponsorship and sorting things out with the council.

"It all depends on if we get enough sponsorship money in, but as things stand we are hoping the Real Music Festival will go ahead next year."

He added: "After having to call off this year's festival due to a lack of money and time, it was always the plan to bring it back in 2007.

"Hopefully it will come back even better than before."

Mr Fewings said between £10,000 and £20,000 of sponsorship is needed to stage the festival, and the more money received the better the event will be.

It is hoped the cash will come from grants, local businesses and donations from individuals.

The Real Music Festival was launched in 2000, at first on the Old Racecourse in Woodham Walter then at Promenade Park in Maldon.

Organised by a team of volunteers and held in aid of Farleigh Hospice, it took place five times before the plug was pulled.