Festival is axed

And there is no certainty that the Lewes Guitar Festival will be held either.

Lack of money is the simple answer.

Last year's Lewes Festival events were expensive to promote; ticket sales were never going to cover the cost and some sponsorship failed to materialise.

There is a current debt of about 5,000.

Michael Tearle, a Lewes Festival director, said: 'In the meantime the festival is on hold.

'As things stand, we are in a deficit position and cannot contemplate another festival until every source of funding has been tried.

'Over the next year we shall be striving to raise funds which will allow us to bounce back in a future year. Plans are being made for a gala charity concert with international stars and sponsors are being sought.

'The local authorities and regional arts association are doing all they can to help in our quest for a "ring of confidence'' and we are grateful to them and to everyone who helped with last year's festival.

'The organisation operates on an entirely voluntary basis.

'Given the terrific community spirit which exists in Lewes, there is no reason why people-power should not see the return of the festival.'

Laurence Hill, who organises the annual Lewes Guitar Festival, said this week he was 'hopeful' the event would go ahead in the autumn but again it depended on funding of about 5,000.

Approaches had been made to South East Arts and local councils.

Last year the festival was in trouble until an anonymous donation of 5,000 was made. Such a donation was unlikely to happen again.