THE future of the Great Yarmouth borough’s biggest free day out could be in jeopardy after a number of organisers pulled out.

Four members of the Gorleston In Gear organising committee have left, meaning the annual Cliff Top Festival, which last year attracted 30,000 people, may not go ahead next year unless new members can be found.

Committee member Sue Knight said three or four new faces were needed to bolster the committee, which currently has seven members, preferably with good computing and communication skills.

The departing members have included long-time committee chairman John Barnden, who has retired through ill health, treasurer Jim Sergeant, who has also retired, food stall organiser Joan Morrell who has moved away, and computer expert Josh Coles, who is at university.

The event has been running for 13 years and is held at the end of July, raising money for many local and national charities, including Palliative Care East.

When the festival started, it was mainly a gala and raft race, but the raft race no longer takes place on insurance grounds.

However, the gala has since expanded and incorporates other attractions including fairs and live bands. In 2009, 14 bands performed live.

In recent years, there has also been a popular 1940s style wartime dance and cabaret within an enlarged marquee complex.

Mrs Knight said: “It is a very interesting thing to do, but very time-consuming. We need some new blood, some people with some energy who would like to see the event survive and who are prepared to come out and help us.”

In particular, new recruits were needed with good communication skills and who would be comfortable in dealing with organisations such as local authorities to arrange licences. Good computing skills would also be an advantage.

l Anyone interested in joining the committeee and ensuring the future of the event, should phone Mrs Knight on 01493 664140 or e-mail her at sueknight@ntlworld.com.