Dundee WestFest has been granted a new lease of life after emergency talks.
Festival co-chairman Alan Richardson said “things were looking much brighter” after 50 people packed out Blackness Library.
The Courier reported earlier this month that things looked bleak for WestFest after organisers Mr Richardson and his partner Paola McClure said they may have been forced to call time due to a lack of funding and volunteers.
Their revelations followed on from July’s gathering which saw swathes of volunteers pull out at the last minute, leaving organisers overrun by 9,000 revellers.
A lack of toilets combined with insufficient parking for visitors also cast serious doubts over the festival’s future.
Now, after more than 15 people put their names forward to become new committee members, Mr Richardson feels the sun may well shine on WestFest once again.
Mr Richardson said: “I think things look a lot more promising now than they did before this meeting.
“The turnout may not have been great, but I think we have the cream of the crop if the amount of volunteers is anything to go by.
“The amount of hands that went up to join the committee will quadruple the current committee numbers.
“There’s still an issue with funding and it’s too early to comment on next year, but I’m pleased.
“We could always do with more, but there’s quite a positive feel about WestFest once again.”
Among those sharing their suggestions to boost the event was Celebrity MasterChef champion Jamie Scott and his wife, Kelly.
The Arbroath-based chef volunteered to take part in a “pop up kitchen” at next year’s festival to help raise funds.
He told The Courier: “I attended WestFest last year and really enjoyed it.
“There’s a nice community feel about it. I’d be happy to take part in some sort of Dundee All Star kitchen theme and contact friends of mine to take part as well.
“I’m confident that this would raise the kind of money needed to pay for things like toilets for the site.”
The meeting was rounded off with both Alan and Paola stepping down as chairs of the group and the appointment of Ged Gourlay as the new chairman.