WATER difference a year can make. Everything is looking bright heading into Upton's annual water festival, which takes place this weekend.

A year ago, the build-up was clouded by news that both the festival and its organiser, the Tourism and Trade Association, could fold.

The association was running under a temporary chairman and was desperately short of volunteers to keep it running.

Chairman Barry Kitchen said: "Everything's looking much better now and I don't think there's any danger of the association folding.

"It was touch and go for a while but we have a really good committee now and if they all stay on then we are in good hands."

Mr Kitchin admits money has been tight this year, but says the festival will be as good as ever.

"Everything's in place for a really good weekend. Now we're just hoping the weather is kind to us," he said.

Mr Kitchin will be taking a year out following the association's AGM in October. But his successor may be greeted with a major financial boost. Although he could not divulge any details, Mr Kitchin said the association was in talks about a sponsorship deal with a "major company."

"We're talking about astronomical money that would enable us to go bigger and better in everything we do," he said. "Though I'm not sure how much bigger and better the Water Festival fireworks can get!"

Mr Kitchin hopes the deal will be announced towards the end of this year. Meanwhile, he is looking forward to this year's event.

TV antique expert Philip Serrel will open the festival at 11am tomorrow (Saturday) and the famous fireworks begin at 10pm.

Other highlights include bell boat racing on Sunday morning and a car boot sale and fun dog show at the playing fields on Monday.

Meanwhile, organisers have also come up with a wet and wild way to raise money at the event. A set of stocks will be set up near the Pepperpot tomorrow (Saturday) and people can pay £1 to throw three wet sponges at a person of their choice.