ORGANISERS of the inaugural Wessex Week history festival in Malmesbury are looking to capitalise on the event’s success.

Wessex Week was hurriedly organised after the popular BBC History Festival announced they would be moving the festival from Malmesbury to Winchester.

It was brilliantly received by residents however and the driving force behind the event, Barbara Pollard of Abbey House, says money raised from it will go to good use.

“I am delighted to report the success of the week's activities which has not only covered its costs but also provided some profit to kick-start fundraising to commission a statue of Athelstan [England’s first king who is buried in Malmesbury],” she said.

“We were able to provide a range of talks, walks, exhibitions and entertainment to satisfy all ages.

“We not only had a good deal of fun but also learned much about some of Malmesbury's history with input from distinguished national historians.

“Tom Holland proved passionate about Athelstan and Dr Julian Luxford, the world expert on Athelstan's tomb, showed us things most of us had never previously noticed.”

Plans for the statue are still in their early stages, however a consultation process will soon begin to look into the project.

Barbara is appealing to residents to donate towards the statue, which can be sent to Wessex Week Organisers, c/o Abbey House, Market Cross, Malmesbury, SN16 9AS.

Alternatively donations can be dropped into Abbey House at the same address.

After such a successful year, Wessex Week will return in 2017 and Barbara is looking to expand the event.

“It is clear that Malmesbury's history is rich, we only scratched the surface,” she said.

“So here's to the next one and if you've any ideas, contacts or skills to bring to the event please contact us.”