TALKS will take place tomorrow about the future of the Emsworth Food Festival.Businesses, retailers and the public are invited to discuss a way forward for the popular event, which has sparked controversy.It was cancelled this year after complaints that it had got too big.Last year 55,000 people descended on the village, sparking concerns about disruption as the village centre was effectively closed to traffic.The festival committee is considering holding a smaller version twice a year.Festival spokeswoman Amanda Fallbrown said: ‘The plan is that something goes ahead. Some of the ideas are to hold it twice a year, along the lines of a farmer’s market with local businesses getting involved.’Trader Chris Gorton, owner of Sue Foster Fabrics in Queen Street , said: ‘I can understand they had to take a breather as it had got so big and everyone needed to take stock. It was a bit like a business running out of contol.‘I think the festival puts Emsworth on the map. Okay, I don’t take orders when it is on, but it makes people want to come back to Emsworth.’The meeting is at 6pm at the Community Association Centre in Church Path. 

[1] The News 29-July-08