A task group will examine the viability of installing a permanent stage in Guildhall Square or Market Place.

Councillor Jo King, who has spearheaded the effort, first raised the concept to full council in June of last year.

She said: “I discovered that there’s a great groundswell in the city amongst musicians and creative people and tech people to have something permanent in the city centre."

A temporary stage, which has been offered for free by a local company, is being considered first to gauge interest and expected level of use.

Cllr King said: “We’re just experimenting to find out if this is really a thing that Salisbury wants.”

Cllr King said five schools have expressed interest in using the stage for their student productions.

The task group will discuss possible designs and placements for the stage and Cllr King said she hoped everyone interested will join.

She said: “A lot of people, including myself, are very passionate about this, about having this facility for the city.”

Proposals were put forward decades ago for a permanent stage in the area that ultimately failed. Cllr King said the difference with the current plans is their grassroots origin and consultation with members of the public about what the community wants.

Cllr King said: “The groundswell is coming from people on the ground, it’s not coming even from me, really or the council or Wiltshire Council.

"It’s coming from the people. This is the people saying, ‘Wouldn’t this be amazing to have this?’”