LIFE, colour, variety, movement and excitement -- see them all at this year's Three Choirs Fringe Festival between August 19 and 25.

And to really get the most out of the experience, why not take part. If you are a budding Fringe administrator, a musician, technician, performer or visual artist then the organisers would like to hear from you.

Can you talk about your enthusiasms and special interests? Have you an idea you want to discuss or a venue to offer? If so, now is the time to come forward.

Several young people who have been involved in the previous three Fringe Festivals have gone into careers in the arts and media and for others it's been a life-changing experience.

"Everyone in a community is of value," said Fringe organiser Caroline Hands. "I believe in excellence but I also believe in people having a go.

"The Fringe is about bringing international performers alongside local talent. I believe in encouraging people of all ages to stretch their boundaries and to explore what they can do artistically and intellectually."

Lack of funding might have been a serious issue for the Fringe had local people not insisted that it must continue. It is essentially by and for the people of Herefordshire in venues varying from a shed to a ballroom, with shows as diverse as vintage film footage of motor racing to folk music and dance from Hereford's twin town, Vierzon, in France.

The programme will finally be settled in early June. There's already an exciting mix of events but why not help to create even more?

Leave a message on the Fringe contact line, 01432 860887 if you have any ideas. Call the Music Pool on 01432 278118 if you are a pub wanting to host musicians.