IN July 1998, prompted by our concern that Worcester was not making the most of itself, the Evening News started the ball rolling to inspire a summer festival each year.

We hoped it could embrace music and theatre, fringe events, street performances and even a Mardi Gras-style parade crowned by a weekend of summer fun and a Severnside water fiesta.

It could, we hoped, be much, much more than a carnival. It could be a time for imagination could run riot; a time when - besides offering top-notch entertainment for its residents - the city would draw free-spending visitors from miles around.

A year later, Worcester seemed to be moving some way towards fulfilling that dream. The Three Choirs Festival was a triumph, the Fringe Festival offered a programme of variety and value, and the city was such a good host to the National Waterways Festival that organisers that organisers said they'd love to see it return here.

Since then, the city has seen the Millennium celebrations and, just last week, XS2002 showed how top names can attract many thousands to enjoy open-air gigs and concerts in Worcester.

Now Chris Jaeger, the man whose talents mean that the Huntingdon Hall attracts great musicians, wants the city to make the most of its talents.

Tonight, at 7pm, an open meeting is being held at the Huntingdon to generate ideas about a Worcester Festival.

We'd urge anyone who wants to see a sizzling summer festival to go along.

With unflagging enthusiasm behind it, there's no reason why Worcester can't aim high and start a festival which can roll on through the 21st Century.