FESTIVAL organisers are hoping to create a year-round “arts quarter” in Harwich and brand the town as a new destination for culture and festivals.

After a hugely successful cycle-themed Harwich Festival of the Arts event this summer, organisers have come up with a grand vision of improvements for the event which, it is hoped, will spread and regenerate the town.

Applications are being invited for a new role, paid for by a grant from the Essex County Council Cultural Fund, to work on the festival project for at least a year.

The idea is for the new festival administrator to organise the annual event, as well as developing an “ongoing outreach and cultural programme” to take place throughout the year.

Chairman Peter Davis, said: “During the last festival, we set up the Harwich Arts Quarter.

“It really took off and we want to build that reputation.”

The Festival of the Arts, which this year was listed among the top 15 of its kind in the country in the Sunday Times, sees a range of art, poetry, music and performance art at a variety of locations over 12 days.

For more information, or to apply, call Peter Davis on 07870 620273.