ARE you Edenbridge's answer to Michael Eavis – the bearded legendary founder of the Glastonbury Festival?

This is the question being asked by the Eden Valley Initiative 2012, which is on the look out for a volunteer to co-ordinate a "massive" annual festival which it hopes will salvage the quiet town centre.

The event aims to put the town on the map, boost trade and leave a lasting cultural legacy.

Chairman Clive Pearman told the Courier he hoped the ambitious project would see visitors come and "spend their hard-earned money" in the town's shops, cafes and restaurants.

He said: "If we actually get the festival up and running as an annual event it will start to drag tourists in.

"We are looking for someone to volunteer and build on what's already in place."

The news could come as a relief to shopkeepers in the town centre who have struggled in the current economic climate.

Chairman of the chamber of commerce Peter Bolton said: "Anything that draws tourists in will be a good thing.

"The footfall in the town has deteriorated year on year. If there is anything we can do we would be quite keen to help."

The project began in 2008 when it was announced that London would host the 2012 Olympics.

Communities were urged to get involved at a local level through a scheme called the Cultural Olympiad and as a result, the committee was established in Edenbridge.

Mr Pearman added: "What is done has to have an enduring life beyond the Olympics. It has to be driven by the community."

Since then the Eden Valley Artists were launched to boost the arts and there have been a series of exhibitions in an empty shop window. The group, consisting of talented local artists, has also worked with schools.

The first festival was held last summer and it is hoped one will be held every year, up to and after the 2012 Olympics, getting bigger and better every time.

Mr Pearman said: "The ideal scenario would be recognition beyond the valley so people from outside can be a part of it and bring their hard-earned money in."

The project has been given the thumbs-up from staff at the Eden Valley Museum.

Honorary curator Jane Higgs, part of the 2012 committee, said: "It should be a boost for the town if there is a lot to see.

"If we can get everyone to join in that would be good."

Mrs Higgs said it is yet to be decided exactly how the museum will be involved in the festival, but there is a collection of sports history memorabilia which could be used.

She said there was originally an idea mooted for a community play but the scheme was dropped as it was too time-consuming.

She added: "It is going to have a more broad approach now. Doing anything like this is ambitious but it depends on how far you go and how many people join in."

Do you think you have what it takes? Contact Mr Pearman by email at clive@fulcrumtrainingservices.com