Ross-on-Wye will have a new festival for 2005, as Ross Live! emerges out of the townspeople's wishes to see Ross back on the festival map.

Ross International Festival went into receivership last year.

Local businessman Robin Symonds, the director of Ross Live, has garnered support for the new venture, which has been set up as a limited company with charitable objectives.

Not wanting Ross to be 'the town with no festival', he decided to make use of existing facilities and the goodwill of volunteers to promote live performance.

A programme has been put together for the week August 5-13, including a jazz night and cabaret evening at the Larruperz Centre, weekday lunchtime concerts in the Baptist Church and two classical evening concerts in St Mary's Church.

"With a comparatively modest programme, we are seeking to re-establish a festival in Ross, and to restore credibility in the town as a festival venue," said Robin, in a letter to prospective sponsors.

Brochures will be on release from tomorrow (July 1). For further details see www. rosslive.org.uk