This year's Arts Fresco, which brings a host of entertainers to the town for a day, will be the seventh.

Since the Mail appealed for volunteers to come forward in February a new committee has formed and will be organising the event for Saturday, September 13.

The new committee, who all live in Harborough, includes chairman George Kitson, vice-chairman Kate Barrett, who is set to take over from Mr Kitson shortly, Hazel Cook, Lucy Slonecki, Abby Smith, Nic Winter and Kevin Quinn.

Mr Kitson, who will be stepping down due to other commitments soon, said: "I have been overwhelmed by the support from local people who have stepped forward to help with the organisation."

Artistic director of the event, Caterina Loriggio, has been a part of Arts Fresco since it was established in 2002 and has confirmed she will programme this year's event.

New vice-chairman Kate Barrett, who worked at acclaimed music venue The Stables, near Milton Keynes, for four years, said: "I'm delighted to be able to offer my support to Arts Fresco – the free event puts Harborough firmly on the map and brings the whole town to life."

The event, which attracted around 10,000 people to the town last year, has received a welcome boost thanks to a £37,500 grant from the Arts Council England.

Joules Clothing has also sponsored Arts Fresco for £10,000 and Arts & Business has given £5,000.