Last updated 19:49, Thursday, 28 August 2008

TOMORROW will be a red letter day for Workington – and let us hope it is the first of many.

Paint The Town Red aims to be the biggest free festival ever in the town.

It is a thoroughly ambitious project that deserves to succeed.

The organisers must take credit for this sunburst of activity and entertainment at the end of a dull old summer.

As traditional summer carnivals have struggled to keep going, a gap in Workington’s social calendar became apparent.

But as well as providing a dollop of free fun to encourage community spirit in the town, organisers decided to aim high with an event that would also present visitors with a positive view of Workington – particularly our new look town centre – and help to boost the coffers of local traders.

Workington now has its niche within the growing festival culture that has helped to provide a boost to other West Cumbrian towns in recent years.

It might not yet compete on a scale with Whitehaven’s Maritime Festival, but that event had its critics who felt it drew people away from the local shops. That won’t happen in Workington, where not only will all shops be open tomorrow but many will be extending their selling areas into the streets to create a vibrant atmosphere.

There should be something for everyone – music, dance, displays, parades and, of course, plenty of colour.

Red is the colour of passion and warmth; these are the qualities that Workington will display tomorrow as it puts on its red hot show.

And if it’s a success, then let us hope that the town can continue to stage this as an annual treat for us all to look forward to.