A NEW £25,000 Whitehaven Food and Garden Event looks set to be held in the town next May -- but it needs public funding.

Plans include a "giant'' market along the entire length of King Street, including a celebrity chef kitchen with tables and chairs, and an art area on Lowther Street.

Organiser Gerard Richardson is now launching a crowdfunding appeal to finance the event which will include continental, local and craft stalls.

Last week, he organised a mini-continental market along King Street to test the public's reactions. Following its success, Gerard is now planning to host the event during the last week of May.

He said: "I wanted to see what the impact would be on visitors, and the town traders, of a market on King Street. The ones who attended reported really good trading as have local traders on the street.

"It was always planned to be a small test market but its size was dealt a blow when the forecast was for strong winds resulting in a number of stalls pulling out.''

The crowdfunding appeal will aim to attract the public, or businesses, to donate to the event to pay for chefs and solar-powered battery storage power packs which can, quietly and efficiently, supply lighting and refrigeration on the streets.

Reaction to last week's mini-market was positive. Daniel Winkler, 46, from Moresby Parks, said: “It’s good to have something going on in the town because, with the festival cancelled, we need an event to attract tourists and visitors from other towns.”

Anyone wishing to donate funds (either from individuals or businesses) can contact Gerard through Twitter @gerardfinewine or go to Facebook Whitehaven Georgian Gem Town