'Four bids' for festival rescue

It could be February before the successful bidder is known

A deadline for applications to stage this year's Brecon jazz festival ends later.

It is understood that at least four groups have shown an interest in rescuing the annual event.

The company behind the festival ceased trading last month, and went into liquidation at a creditors' meeting on 9 January.

The Arts Council of Wales is overseeing all the bids, but it could be February before the successful bidder is known.

Following talks with the Welsh Assembly Government and organisations that fund the festival, the arts council decided to oversee the bidding process.

The arts council is keen to see the event take place in 2009, and it has received a number of expressions of interest.

Financial difficulties

Among them are two businessmen, Ben Jones, of the Celtic Spirit Group, and corporate events organiser John Ellson.

Other bids have been made by Brecon's Theatr Brycheiniog, Porthcawl Jazz Festival and the Hay Festival.

The jazz festival, held every August, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008.

But it ran into financial difficulties after poor weather hit ticket sales.

The Brecon Jazz Festival company has ceased trading and is being wound up.

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