A major breakfast presentation to launch a Witham Millennium Festival flopped when only 10 organisations and companies out of 560 invited bothered to turn up.

But, say the organisers, Witham's council of churches, they are not giving up and are trying to contact firms to see if they will chip in with pledges of cash.

They need to raise £12,000 to pay for basic costs - "so far we have had just two cash pledges totalling £75. That leaves us a long way to go, although the council of churches may be able to underwrite some of the cost," said Mrs Judy Hayward, a Millennium Festival executive committee member.

"We feel some may come on board once they see other firms making a commitment.

"It was pretty sad that we had such a low turn out," she commented after the breakfast presentation held last Thursday.

"But we are not giving up as there was a lot of enthusiasm among those who did come. We have additionally had offers of help from a few more local firms."

The project, which would see churches, the community and businesses in a partnership week of millennium celebrations would see a 1,000 person marquee erected in the town, with entertainment, disco, concerts and exhibitions.

Two major Pentecost services are planned to be held in the marquee on Sunday, June 11, preceded by a week of celebrations.

"Four schools have replied so far," said Mrs Hayward, "but we have had about a four per cent response from all the letters we sent out to businesses.

"Witham is often overshadowed by the adjacent towns of Colchester and Chelmsford, but it is large enough to host its own community events," she said.

"If every business was prepared to donate just £10, we would be close to £5,000 already. It doesn't seem a lot to ask."

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