Local groups, businesses, organisations and individuals who are interested in becoming part of the Festival in any way are invited to attend an Open Evening at Newton Aycliffe and Community Youth Centre, Burn Lane, on Tuesday 25th October at 6pm to discuss possible involvement with the Aycliffe Festival in 2017.  The dates of the 2017 Festival are 14th – 30th July inclusive, 17 days in total encompassing three weekends. The concept of the Festival is to involve as many of the local groups, businesses and voluntary organisations as possible, encouraging them to organise an ‘event’ within the time frame of the Festival.  Support will be available from the Town Council if required. Events organised by the local community during the past two years have provided a wide variety of experiences for children and adults and delivered a range of activities throughout the Parish.  It is hoped that the outcome of the meeting will be that groups will give further consideration or agree in principle to providing a community event during the timescale of the Festival.  Meeting other organisers and potential organisers will also enable people to develop an understanding of the benefits of being part of this annual event both for themselves and their communities. Light refreshments will be provided and I would be grateful if you could e-mail me at the above address, or telephone to advise me whether you or a member of your group/ organisation/business will be able to attend to allow us to cater for you. If you are unable to attend on that date, but would be interested in receiving further information when it is available, please contact us and we will add you to our Festival mailing list. Additionally, if you know of anyone else who may be interested, I would be grateful if you could pass on the details of the open evenings to them.