RESIDENTS and businesses in Chippenham have been urged to support the town's folk festival to prevent it making a loss.

The event, which will cost £78,000 to stage this year, runs from May 31 to June 3.

Organiser Bob Berry said it was possible the festival could lose £4,000 this year.

He said: "We generate a quarter of a million pounds worth of business for the area every year.

"We asked the town council and district council for support, but the town gave us £750 and the district about £2,500, which is not a lot overall."

Free events at the festival cost £11,000 to put on and attract crowds of thousands.

Young people between the ages of 10 and 20 are invited to get more involved this year.

Mr Berry said: "The festival provides younger children with a full programme but this year we feel the youth should be given some extra attention."

Sponsor Wavin Plastics have provided additional funding for the youth activities.