THE success of a Tenbury festival has prompted organisers to consider using park and ride facilities for next year’s event.

More than 1,000 cars parked on or near the town’s rugby field during this year’s Tenbury Applefest, causing heavy traffic in the area.

The plans could mean future visitors to the festival have to park away from the hub of the festival, which is in the Pump Rooms area.

“The event was appraised very quickly afterwards and we intend to have a park and ride in place next year as a result of the parking problems we experienced,” said one of the organisers, Bernard Morgan.

“We don’t have any further details at present but that is the intention.”

And the volume of interest this year’s festival attracted, including visitors stretching from Cornwall to North Wales, looks set to continue in 12 months time.

“All the exhibitors at the event said they wanted to come back next year,” added Mr Morgan. “There’ll be around 50 stands and we’re confident we’ll fill it.

“What makes it such a success is that it’s volunteer run with professional guidance, and it shows how people can come together and make a difference to the community.”

Mr Morgan said thanks should also go to Advantage West Midlands, Tenbury Events and Sarah and Gary Thompson for their help in organising the one day event.

The Tenbury Applefest 2009 takes place on October 17.