DARWEN Live’s organisers have started recruiting volunteer security staff as they prepare a bid for a second town centre stage at next year’s festival.

Organising committee chairman Trevor Maxfield said police had objected in recent years to plans to expand the two-day musical celebration on safety grounds.

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He hopes by starting preparations early, they can make a case for reviving two stages at the 2017 festival on Sunday May 28 and Bank Holiday Monday May 29.

The appeal for volunteer security and safety staff has gone out on social media with the promise of the committee paying for the necessary Security Industry Authority course and badge.

The posts said they are ‘needed for putting fencing up and crowd control’.

Mr Maxfield said preparing a full security and safety plan with enough trained volunteer staff was vital if the second stage was to return to the festival after several years with just one main outside venue on Town Hall Square.

In the past Knott Street Car Park had been used for the second stage but the committee have a mystery site in mind for the 2017 if they get the necessary council and police approval.

Last year’s 16th Darwen Live was the biggest ever as thousands of revellers packed the town. It’s main stage welcomed big names including former Transvision Vamp lead singer Wendy James and chart-topping 1990’s stars Toploader while 14 other venues welcomed smaller and local acts.

Mr Maxfield said: “This year’s Darwen Live was a massive success and we want 2017’s to be even bigger and better. We would like to see a second main stage as we had several years ago in Knott Street car park, especially up and coming local bands.

“The committee have a new venue in mind but we need to get everything organised early before we apply for it.

“In recent years the police have objected to a second stage on safety and security grounds so we need to get that aspect properly sorted to satisfy their concerns.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council leisure boss Damian Talbot said: “Darwen Live is the biggest event in the town. and one of the most significant and best-attended in the borough.I’m pleased the organisers are preparing early for an even bigger and better festival next year.”