Liz Coates A popular seaside event has reinvented itself on a wave of new ideas with a new name and a new partner.Gorleston in Gear is linking up with the borough council's tourism arm GYBC Tourism to secure the future of the Cliff Top Gala, now called the Cliff Top Festival to better chime with its broad appeal.

Liz Coates

A popular seaside event has reinvented itself on a wave of new ideas with a new name and a new partner.

Gorleston in Gear is linking up with the borough council's tourism arm GYBC Tourism to secure the future of the Cliff Top Gala, now called the Cliff Top Festival to better chime with its broad appeal.

Gig chairman John Barnden said the announcement marked the end of an anxious time for the committee after rising costs and a diminishing numbers of hands at the helm had put a question mark over the event, now in its 12th year.

Although it remained as popular as ever, always attracting tens of thousands of people, it had outgrown its small volunteer committee and needed more expertise and community support, he added.

Mr Barnden stressed that although the partnership would boost the festival and allow it to tap into a host of new resources it could only carry on with the full backing of sponsors and individuals.

“For the Gig team it's come along at an anxious time for us. It is uplifting that the borough council has recognised that we have over 11 years built this up to a three day event. We are delighted that we have been able to form this partnership to take the event on from where we are now to the future. It validates all our efforts and it is something we have been talking about for nearly three years now. “With GYBC Tourism coming on board it has given us a new impetus.”

This year's event will kick off on Friday July 31 with an evening dance, continuing on Saturday with a sports' based day and live music evening and building to the main clifftop event with 12 themed arenas and grand firework finale on Sunday.

Mr Barnden said the partnership had already boosted the committee which had now swelled to 12 members.

“It's no good saying Gig can't let the event die. We are currently seeking people to join the team as arena coordinators particularly for sports day, people with backgrounds in IT, draughtsmanship, design, marketing, web design and data bases. Also required are people to assist over the festival period - your festival needs you!”

Borough head of tourism Alan Carr, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the organisers of the rebranded Gorleston Cliff Top Festival. They should be applauded for all the hours they have committed to the event over the years and their infectious enthusiasm.”

To get involved contact festival co-ordinator Donna Bidwell on 01493 846343, dbi@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or John Barnden on 01493 600304, john.barnden@btopenworld.com