A NEW man will now be helping to keep Fleetwood Transport Festival on track after the appointment of a new festival chairman.
Chris Mawdsley comes in to succeed Keith Yates, who held the post for the past four years.
Mr Mawdsley has been employed at the town's ferry port for the past 32 years, working for P&O and latterly Stena.
He was appointed after a meeting at t
he North Euston Hotel last week.
But the change of role will not mean that Mr Yates will be parting company from the festival committee.
He will be now be focusing on marketing and promoting the festival, giving him more time to donate to his work as a music promoter.
Mr Yates said: "I feel that I have done all that I can over the past four years, and it is now time to give some else the chance to come in.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chairman and we are all very proud of what we have achieved over the years.
"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during my tenure in the role."
The festival, known locally as Tram Sunday, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.
One of the challenges facing the committee is raising cash to fund next year's festival, but plans for the big event are already steaming ahead.
Mr Yates said: "We are still hearing rumours here and there that the festival will not be going ahead next year, but the truth is we are already planning for it.
"The team has already started to take shape and over the next few weeks and months we will be planning out the 2010 Festival, which will be building on the success of this year."
If you feel you can play a small part in the planning or organising of the next Tram Sunday, pop along to the next meeting, which will be held on Monday October 5 at The North Euston, beginning at 7pm.
