FRESH ideas and views are wanted by the organisers of the annual Ilminster Midsummer Experience in readiness for next year’s event.

An open meeting was held by IMEx organisers at the Retreat Restaurant in the Market Square, Ilminster, hoping to get some new inspiration for 2016 which will be the ninth year of the successful event.

Chairman Mike Fry-Foley said: “It was great to be able to build on past success and the new events will take us into different areas.

“The Food and Craft Market is so popular that it is already virtually pre-booked and we are considering expanding it with additional stalls.

“This year the Classic Vehicle Show included an electric vehicle section and interest in these ‘classics of the future’ is growing and it is anticipated it will become a major exhibit in 2016.

“We will be retaining the Family Dog Show, of course and intend making the Food Court on Sunday a high quality event with delicious local foods on offer.”

Mr Fry-Foley added: “It is very exciting that we will be including additional sports events and we are planning on more public entertainment and events for children.

“It is also terrific that other groups are seeing the potential to hold events such as the Ilminster Literary Festival around the same time as IMEx and other arts groups are considered similar events. This means that around mid-summer Ilminster will be buzzing for the residents and visitors.”

But Mr Fry-Foley said: “However we know that many people have other great ideas to stage events, perhaps as a fundraiser or to promote their favourite activity, and we are always delighted to speak to them.”

People with ideas are invited to get in touch with IMEx team through its website at www.ilminsterexperience.co.uk or on FaceBook.

PHOTO: Some of the Ilminster Midsummer Experience organisers and supporters during the ever-popular food and craft market in Silver Street at this year’s festival.