A RETHINK of a Government Bill that could end the Three Choirs Festival may not be enough to save the event.

The future of the 275-year-old festival was called into doubt following the unveiling of the Licensing Bill that would force places of worship to have an entertainment licence to stage any live event, from a classical concert to a nativity play.

But a letter from Lord Faulkner of Worcester to Three Choirs campaigner Douglas Drane said the Government may now back down from the proposals.

"My understanding is that the Government is having second thoughts and will bring forward amendments which are intended to meet the concerns of the churches," said Lord Faulkner.

However, Paul Vaughan, Worcester chairman of the Three Choirs Festival, said he did not believe this "rethink" would remove the threat to live music.

He warned if the licence fee plan was implemented, no matter how small the amount was, the local authority or the Government could increase it at any time.

"The Government says everything has got to be licensed under the cloak of health and safety," Mr Vaughan said.

"But we are already subject to health and safety checks from the fire brigade."

Mr Vaughan argued the licence money was needed to fund the local authority taking over licensing control from the magistrates.

He said the added cost would spell the end for the Three Choirs because the tickets would become too expensive for the public.

"Not only that, but it would exclude people because they cannot afford it," Mr Vaughan added.

Even if places of worship were made exempt, live music in other small venues without a licence would still be criminalised.

"If you had a few people round for a sing-song and decide to collect £5 you would have to have a licence or you'll have the police round and face a fine of £2,000 or imprisonment," said Mr Vaughan.

"Tell me that's not George Orwell."