NINE worthy causes have received cash boosts thanks to community festival fundraisers.

Portland’s Big Grove Summer Festival celebrated its most successful year ever in 2010 along with recognition from the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations.

Organiser Sarah Whiteside said it raised more than £3,500 and she was delighted to hand over cheques to local charities and community groups.

She also revealed how future festivals might incorporate a new Portland Carnival.

Mrs Whiteside said: “Our presentation night went really well and seven of our nine recipient groups attended the event to receive their donations.

“We raised over £3,500 and gave just over £2,000 away to charity, the rest covered the cost of hiring equipment, security and various things.

“Donations were made to The Grove School, Portland Rocks, Portland Youth Football, Samaritans, Dorset Women’s Outreach Project, St John’s Ambulance, Portland Catz, Willcraft Christmas Hamper Appeal and Easton Drop In.

“We enjoyed music from our festival friends Simon Felton and James Laming and we took the opportunity to discuss our future plans for our 2011 and 2012 events.”

The group announced its intention to pursue charitable status before its 2011 event and plans to elaborate on the Weymouth and Portland Spirit of the Sea collaboration, with a sea-themed fancy dress parade to open the event.

Mrs Whiteside said: “We had received news earlier in the day that the Weymouth and Portland Partnership will be discussing the possibility of elements from the Moving Tides procession, from the Spirit of the Sea Festival, coming over to Portland to participate in our 2011 event.

“We also took the opportunity to discuss our future plans to incorporate a carnival theme into our 2012 Big Grove Summer Festival, which we are hoping will coincide with the Olympics.

“We have been in discussions within the community for some time about bringing Portland Carnival back on to the island’s social calendar.

“We have announced our intention to establish a carnival committee, with representatives from the whole island, to work alongside the festival event team, in developing a vision for a Portland Carnival for 2012 and beyond.

“We have called for people to get in touch with us, who are interested in making this happen.”

Community groups, schools and businesses who would like to get involved with a Portland Carnival can contact Jane Hurdiss on 01305 820563, Sarah Whiteside 07896 424797 or email biggrovesumfest@googlemail.com