THE large number of people who attended a special meeting at the Falcon Hotel on Tuesday, October 18 left no doubt as to the deep level of concern emanating as a result of recent announcement Bude Jazz festival will not be taking place in 2012.

There were over 60 people in attendance, which alongside members of the public, included hotel, pub and business representatives from Bude affected by the potential loss of what is considered by many, to be the town's most important annual event.

Bude Jazz Club's Paul Mayor took the chair, and Bude-Stratton Town Councillor Paul Tilzey passed around a radio microphone, allowing a lively discussion to get underway.

From the outset, Falcon Hotel owner Tim Browning said no consultation had taken place between the directors of Bude Jazz Festival Ltd and the affected town businesses before "this disastrous announcement was made."

It was said that if interested parties had been given prior notification of the directors' decision to cancel the 2012 event, then perhaps there would have been the opportunity to consider a rescue operation — maybe running a scaled down version or seeking financial help through sponsorship, but at least, it was agreed, offering the chance to look at ways to keep the festival alive for 2012.

For the full report, plus a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.