Next year's Balham Festival may be compressed into three days in a bid to attract more visitors and increase the event's impact beyond the borough.

It is just one suggestion being looked at by organisers to provide the best ever festival, enjoyed and organised by people of every age and cultural background.

Last June the fifth annual festival was held over ten days but organisers believe more people will visit if it is compressed into a long weekend.

They have also suggested re-routing the carnival so it meets the mass of visitors enjoying the Fun Day on the common, linking the festival with other arts festivals and providing a bigger venue for the film festival.

But organisers say they can only deliver if more residents volunteer their time.

Stephen Spark, chairman of the festival's committee, said: "We really need people to help with organisation and publicity to make it a big success.

"It is a great opportunity for people of all ages to play a part in the community."

For more information contact Sue Webber on 020 8675 5472

December 5, 2001 16:30