THE Hampshire Water Festival returns to Winchester in August, following the roaring success of last year's inaugural event.

About 10,000 people flooded into the city last summer to learn more about life's most precious resource.

The festival featured nature walks, a water market, live performances and talks, films and slide shows.

The water market - featuring quality local producers - will again draw crowds to the Cathedral Close, while The Spurting Man, one of last year's Abbey Garden highlights, is set to return with a new show. The organisers are hoping this year's festival on August 14 will reinforce the message that water cannot be taken for granted.

Broadcaster and Southampton resident Chris Packham is keen to be involved once more, having officially opened last year's festival, and the popular guided walks will again feature in the packed programme of free events.The organisers include Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Southern Water, the environment Agency, WaterAid and Hampshire Fare.

Councillor Keith Estlin, county council executive member for environment, said: "Preparations are already under way for the 2004 festival, which we hope will not only provide a great day out, but will also get people thinking about the water we use, where it comes from, and the responsibility each of us has to conserve it.

"Last year's festival was held in glorious sunshine, so let's keep our fingers crossed for more of the same this time round - hot weather is a great way to focus your mind on the importance of water."