THE Inverclyde Music Festival which has been a fixture in the area for 108 years could disappear due to volunteer crisis.

The historic competition could fold due to a lack of people coming forward with the digital and technical skills to run it each year.

Due to Covid-19 and the passing of some important festival figures, organisers say there is a huge question mark over the planned 2023 event unless they are able to recruit helpers soon.

In a bid to save the much-loved local staple, honorary president of the festival, Isabel Lind OBE and Anne McGregor, honorary secretary, have launched a recruitment drive.

Isabel, who has been in the role since 2010, told the Tele: "The festival is in a crisis.

"We are facing an uncertain future due to a number of factors.

"We've lost important members of the team who were digitally savvy, plus with Covid-19 we have had some people fall away and need to change how we operate.

"We need the missing generation to get on board to help save the event.

"It is such a big part of the Inverclyde calendar and we are doing all we can to overcome the hurdles to bring it back for 2023."

Each year the music festival brings hundreds of talented performers from local schools to Greenock Town Hall to take part in competitions.

Isabel says there is a need for a new generation to get involved and she is hoping to sign up 'youth ambassadors' at an information event being held in the Broomhill Hub next week.

Isabel, who performed in the festival herself in her youth, said: "It is a really important part of so many young people's lives.

"Our idea is to have young musicians from ages 16 to 25 who would be able to offer us their skills digitally and to help us with the running of the syllabus.

"We have the drive and the willingness, we just need individuals with the skillset to help modernise the festival and help 'future-proof' the event."

Secretary Anne says the competition, which has only ever been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and World Wars, would be a 'huge loss' in both Inverclyde and beyond if it ended.

She said: "We have a great representation across Britain - we were awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and we have people from all over come along.

"The festival is more than just a competition, it is a place where friendships are formed and confidence is built.

"There is something really special about seeing young people on the stage giving an excellent performance.

"The festival is part of Inverclyde's heritage and losing it would be absolutely devastating."

As well as bringing in new blood, the festival duo are also hoping to recruit volunteers who have been involved before.

Isabel added: "We speak to parents and grandparents all the time who say they miss coming along and seeing their children because they've grown out of the competition.

"It'd be lovely to get people like that to join us to help give other families the same good memories and experiences they had."

Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more can meet with festival organisers on Tuesday between 5pm and 7pm.

For more information contact Isabel on 07477052714.