Salisbury Festival and the district council could be developing closer ties to give a boost to south Wiltshire's tourism and economy.

New festival director Trevor Davies stressed the mutual benefits as he prepares for next year's festival.

Salisbury District Council has been working with the Arts Council and Southern Arts to get rid of a debt incurred by losses on previous festivals, to develop the infrastructure and to strengthen the role of the festival across the community.

Mr Davies gave the council a presentation on the festival and its potential for wider benefits to the area. He told councillors that the festival is an ambassador for the city regionally, nationally and internationally.

He is now waiting to see if the policy and resources committee will be willing to continue support. It means a funding of £150,000 a year by the council, which has previously granted £56,000. Mr Davies said a budget of £850,000 to £950,000 a year is ideal for the festival.

Next year's Salisbury Festival will run from May 24 to June 10.

Its Nordic theme will reflect Mr Davies's 25 years based in Denmark and working in the international arts.