I WRITE in response to the recent article regarding the threat to the Fisherton Festival, Paul Dauwalder’s vision of it remaining a free show and the cost of running the event. I am also involved in organising a large, free event in Salisbury, namely the Motorcycle Show in the Market Square in April.

Both events attract large numbers of visitors to the city on an otherwise quiet Sunday afternoon and I am sure many businesses profit from this and not just those in the immediate vicinity. However, it must be noted that apathy from commerce in supporting these events does seem to prevail.

In order to help with putting the event on, I approached numerous local traders for support suggesting a donation of only £10 towards the costs. I even provided an SAE for return and received just one response and that was from an independent business.

Hosting free events does not mean they are without cost to the organiser. Licences have to be applied for, first aid cover arranged, advertising put in place and all manner of associated costs have to be taken into account.

If traders do not want to support these events and help make Salisbury the vibrant city it is then we run the risk of becoming just another cloned town centre devoid of interest and ultimately the people these businesses rely upon.

Salisbury Motorcycle Action Group NICK HANCOCK