Plans for a broader-based festival encompassing the principles and spirit of the Dandenong festival, which ended in May after 62 years, have been put in place and talks are being held.

The Journal believes the plans would see the retention of the Australian Youth Aria, an internationally recognised section of the former Dandenong festival, which was first won in 1948 by Joyce Simmonds and this year by Narre Warren North's Stacey Alleaume.

A meeting was held last month to form the South Eastern Arts Festival and a further meeting is planned this month.

Members of SEAF would not comment officially about the new organisation, but the Journal believes Margaret Haywood has been elected as president, Majella Drew as vice-president and Quentin Hansen as secretary.

This year the festival lasted for a month with events held at The Drum, Springvale City Hall and the James Street Baptist Church, all in Greater Dandenong.

Last year, the organising committee flagged the 2009 festival would be the last, citing an ageing committee and lack of volunteers as primary reasons for the closure.

It's believed SEAF's initial plans are for a week-long event culminating in a final night. No venues have been arranged.

There has been no indication as to what events would be dropped or whether SEAF hopes to continue sponsorship arrangements the Dandenong festival had in place, such as Greater Dandenong Council's sponsorship of the Youth Aria.

SEAF will meet from 3.30-5pm on Sunday, July 19, in the music department at St Margaret's School, Gloucester Avenue, Berwick.