I WAS very pleased to read the article in the Globe Mailbox on February 21, entitled Imagine Wirral launch.

It is very important to showcase local talent and Wirral's cultural assets.

However, as chairman of the Festival of Music, Speech and Drama I was very disappointed with the response I got when I recently emailed every counsellor inviting them to the event that runs over two weekends in March.

I got a response from only two.

On a positive note, however, the Mayor Ann McLachlan is attending the music festival.

This is a festival that has been running over two weekends since 1949.

It is a 'showcase' of talented choirs, bands, orchestras, solo singers, drama, prose, verse and much more involving children and adults from the Wirral, Merseyside and of- ten further a field.

The wealth of talent is amazing.

I would encourage anyone with an interest in music, speech or drama to come and see for themselves the high standards exhibited by those who take part.

If the Council is keen to promote arts and culture in Wirral it should look at what is already running in the area and support and encourage existing festivals and groups.

I note the council will be working with Festival of Firsts, Wirral Open Studios and Secret Gardens to name but a few.

As chairman of the Wirral Festival of Music, Speech and Drama I am offering to help the council showcase local talent.

It would be a good way of doing this is for the council and ourselves to work together.

We need support to promote and increase awareness of the festival to the local area and further a field.

It would be a great shame if a festival that has been running since 1949 doesn't continue because there is a lack of awareness and interest.

Caitlin Edwards, by email