Music and drama groups have signed up to a new borough arts festival set to launch in 2016.

More than 70 groups have signed up to the three-week festival, which has seen £50,000 stumped up by Richmond Council to get it off the ground.

Cabinet member for arts and culture Councillor Meena Bond met groups last week to plan for the annual festival.

She said: "I am passionate about music and drama and I am thrilled that one of my first roles as cabinet member will be to help deliver this festival.

"This borough has a longstanding, exemplary record when it comes to both commitment to, and achievement in, the performing arts and I know that if all the very talented groups and organisations work together we will be able to produce a fabulous programme of events that everyone will be able to enjoy.

"I am delighted by the level of support for this festival from groups across the borough, and look forward to working closely with them in the future to make this vision a reality."

To get involved email events@richmond.gov.uk.