The move follows both the local Labour Party and the Greens using Jack in the Green in their pre-election material.

The local Labour Party sent out a letter to residents raising concern about cuts to the funding budget of the event and pledging to re-instate £5,000 of funding. Commenting on the cut, the letter states: “Your local Labour team know the importance of this event to residents of Old Hastings and want to reassure you that we will overturn this decision if a Labour Council is elected in May.

"Jack in the Green is a massive event for our town, bringing in tourists and money from across Sussex and the country. It unites communities and brings our town together.”

A statement issued by Hastings Jack in the Green this week read: “Hastings Jack in the Green is an apolitical non-affiliated charity. Whilst we recognise the support of Hastings Borough Council, we do not support or endorse any candidate or party in the forthcoming local elections.”

The future of the popular event, which takes place over the May bank holiday weekend, is in doubt as this is the last year it has received council funding. The council funding pays for facilities on the West Hill, including stages, security and portable toilets.

Event founder Keith Leech said: “We have funding for this year, but we may have to look at other venues for the event in future years if we cannot get funding.”

Thousands of people are set to line the streets of Hastings Old Town for the colourful event which takes place over the weekend of May 3 – May 6, with the main procession on the bank holiday Monday (May 6). The procession ends on the West Hill for an afternoon of festivities before the Jack is slain to release the spirit of summer.

The event celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

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