NO doubt this year's Worcester Festival will be bigger and better than ever and this time around the organisers need your help - tonight.

Worcester Live, the company behind the hugely-popular summer event, is hosting an open meeting for anyone who wants to get involved with the 2008 festival, especially anyone interested in holding their own event.

Residents who run pubs, cafes or restaurants are being encouraged to hold events, ranging from concerts to walks, which will be fully backed and publicised by Worcester Live.

The company is also looking for local businesses who are keen to support the festival through sponsorship.

The 2008 festival will coincide with the Three Choirs Festival, this year being hosted by Worcester and, because of this, will run for an extra week.

Hundreds of events, including live music, street theatre, comedy and dance will be taking place all over the city from Saturday, August 2 to Tuesday, August 26.

Director of the festival Chris Jaeger said: "Last year's festival was a incredible success despite the showers and this year there's already 185 events booked in.

"This is a festival for the people of Worcester, hosted by the people of Worcester, and we are thrilled to welcome anyone who wants to be a part of it."

The open meeting will take place at the Swan Theatre tonight at 7.30pm.

For more information visit www.worcesterfestival.co.uk