YANKALILLA- Wheels have been turning for months, but now the dates have been set and many vibrant events are in the pipeline, signalling planning for the next Leafy Sea Dragon Festival is well underway.

The Yankalilla district will be alive with colour and culture from April 17 to 26 next year, when a small but dedicated Festival Planning Group put their months of meticulous scheming and planning into practice.

With Ruth Davis again on board as chairperson and Ian Main coordinating the festival, residents of not only the Yankalilla district, but also statewide can look forward to a vivacious celebration of art, culture and the environment to indulge the senses.

Already on the line-up of festivities are a number of art and gallery exhibitions, music to delight a range of audiences, literary events, a mufti fours bowls competition, an artists’ studio trail and opportunities to enjoy local food, wine and produce.

In order to ensure such plans go ahead, however, the planning group is awaiting council's response to a request for funding.

Just over $3,000 was accrued from the last festival, most of which is already committed to projects for next year's event.

"Until council makes a decision, we won't know whether we will be running a comfortable event on a small budget or a miracle on a shoestring," Ruth said.

With 500 volunteers lending a hand last year, Ruth described the Leafy Sea Dragon Festival as a "community event driven by the community" and welcome public input.

The Festival Planning Group holds public meetings every month, with the latest held last night.

"It's a pretty bold move for a district as small as ours," Ruth said.

"I said I'd never do it again, but people ask if we're planning certain events again, and you realise people get something out of it."

Anyone who would like to offer resources, a venue or stage an event can contact Ruth Davis on 8558 3387 or Ian Main on 8558 2728.