Last updated 07:26, Friday, 28 March 2008

THERE was much talk this week about the Uppies and Downies’ special place in the history of Workington.

People told how generations of families had taken part in the traditional Easter game.

They spoke of how it helped to give the town an identity.

For that alone the Uppies and Downies must have a place in Workington’s future, wherever the game manages to find its home.

It is certainly true that major events help to bind a community together.

Workington needs its Uppies and Downies, both as a link to the past and, at its most basic, as a bit of simple holiday fun.

But there has been a feeling for some time that Workington could benefit from even more community involvement.

People in the town have looked with envy at Maryport with its Blues Festival, Whitehaven with its Maritime Festival, Keswick with its jazz and literary events and Cockermouth with its Georgian Fair.

Workington, the major town of the area, has been missing a trick.

That’s why a group of townsfolk have come up with an excellent idea to stage a Paint The Town Red one-day event this summer.

The Times & Star is right behind the venture, which will have something for all ages.

Paint The Town Red will be the biggest free festival in Workington’s history and is budgeting for at least 50,000 visitors.

It is hoped that the festival will put Workington on the map and will be a showcase for the redeveloped town centre.

It should certainly help to put a smile on people’s faces.

And if successful, who knows, maybe this new summer event can become as much a part of the town calendar as the Uppies and Downies.