Plans for millennium festivities in Billericay could be under threat - unless cash can be found from willing sponsors.
The town council has circulated a document to possible backers which details ten ideas for projects or events during the year.
The authority itself has put £4,000 aside to fund the big night but has already committed nearly £3,900 of that sum.
That has gone to pay for a damage deposit to Basildon District Council for the use of Sun Corner - the junction of the High Street and London Road - where a choir will sing favourite songs of the century. It will also pay for fireworks.
The town council is now to consider boosting the budget at a meeting tonight.
There are still plans afoot for a major project for the town but the authority is keeping it under wraps until details are finalised.
First, the members must combat a general lethargy in the town about the millennium.
A spokesman said: "We hope that will disappear as the event approaches."
Ideas looking for funding include resurrecting the old town pageant and holding a strongest man competition.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article