Councillors have backed plans to scale back a north-east festival and are “very optimistic” it will help secure its future.
Across the Grain showcases the region’s musicians, storytellers, composers, choreographers and singers, and has previously been held over a month.
The festival – which was created to also promote Doric – was forced to cancel two events last year due to lack of interest.
Yesterday, the culture and sport sub-committee met to discuss plans for its future and agreed to support plans to reduce the event to a long, four-day weekend, to introduce a festival ticket and to feature a “headline” showcase event.
It was decided that identified shortfall’s in last year’s event “will be a “stepping stone” for future festivals.
Inverurie councillor Lesley Berry said: “I think it is a good idea to go down to four days as one whole month was a huge ask.
“I have to commend council officers with their honesty on what has and hasn’t been working with Across the Grain.
“Looking forward, I do think it is onwards and upwards for the festival and look forward to how it can grow.”
Committee chairman David Cook added: “We asked for lessons learned and this is what we have in a very honest report, with realistic ways to move forward.”
It is hoped that by scaling back the festival, demand for tickets will soar and boost audiences – improving “the return on financial resources”.
Yesterday, councillors stressed that a review would take place next year if four days didn’t feel long enough for the festival, and asked organisers to work more with schools this year.
Last year an estimated 3,100 people attended events across the festival period.
Proposed dates for this year’s event are October 1-4.