NEXT year's Eastleigh summer music festival has received an extra £5,000 boost.

Hampshire County Council has given a grant to the 2005 event at the town's Fleming Park.

It will be the third in a series of live music concerts which have featured top national and international artists.

The popular festival is going ahead again in 2005 despite making a loss this year, as reported in the Daily Echo last month.

A question mark had hung over the future of the summer music festival after this year's event had failed to break even.

The financial flop happened despite hundreds of people flocking to see headline acts including chart-topping Pop Idol sensation Will Young and US soul legend Dionne Warwick.

Eastleigh Borough Council chiefs have agreed to match the £25,000 they put in for the 2004 event but have demanded it is cut from ten days to a maximum of six.

The festival also features arts and music workshops, circus skills workshops and displays, plus free children's and family entertainment, street theatre and an arts and craft fair.

Soundbass - which has organised the two summer music festivals held so far - has once again been invited to stage the event next year.

Festival organiser Peter Chegwyn confirmed that plans were in place for a shorter event in 2005.

He said: "We are looking to do a long weekend next year, with a camping facility at Fleming Park to make it even more of a festival atmosphere."

Hampshire County Council's executive councillor for recreation and heritage, John Waddington, said: "We are committed to supporting arts projects which enable Hampshire residents to have access to high quality arts events and performances, as well as the chance to develop their own creative talents.

"Whether it's taking part or sitting back and enjoying someone else's performance, getting involved in the arts can play an important role in improving people's quality of life."