IT HAS become one of the staples of the town's calendar.

Plans have already begun for the next Romsey Festival following last year's success.

The committee has announced that the next event will be officially launched on July 3 2020, which will be followed by two weeks of community based art events, from music to street events.

More than 40 groups have already committed to taking part in the nest festival, which others expected to confirm in the near future.

Romsey Abbey has also been announced as a venue to host some of the music, and the bells will also ring in the villages for what will be the 12th event.

Former chairman Dick Hewett has handed over the role to Liz Wagner for the 2020 event.

Liz said: "Building on my involvement in previous festivals, I am proud to have been elected as chair of Festival 2020 and look forward to helping the community deliver the most amazing experience for our audiences and participants.

"With a very talented committee we will build on the festival heritage and develop new ideas to delight and entertain."

New ideas are being explored, with poetry readings in cafes and street theatre, some of the ideas to be debated.

The committee has appealed for Romsey residents to contribute to the idea process ahead of the event in two years.

Romsey Town Centre Manager Mark Edgerley, said: "I am delighted to be part of the team enabling the 2020 Romsey Festival, as Town Centre Manager I understand this need to hold quality events that showcase Romsey, encouraging residents and visitors to explore our historic locations and enjoy the amazing talent we have within our community."

The last event, which took place in July last year, saw streets lined with art and a variety of venues host talks during the week.

Romsey Abbey, the Abbey United Reformed Church and Romsey Methodist Church all hosted exhibitions.

The festival committee said: "Key to this festival being the best ever will be funding. Money needs to be secured to finance improvements to the website and to produce and distribute a brochure.

"The festival welcomes business partners who are willing to support the success of this great event."