By Hayley Robinson

Support the town’s St George’s Day festival or lose it forever.

That’s the stark reality according to the organisers of the event.

Nigel Fosbraey, director of Autowash, Daren Blackbourn, who runs Blackbourn TV, and Vic Brobyn, co-owner of The Petshop (pictured) – who organise the event on behalf of Sittingbourne Retail Association – think the event has become a victim of its own success.

They say they need more support either financially or by people volunteering if it is to continue next year.

The Sittingbourne Messenger revealed exclusively how the plug had been pulled on this year’s celebrations.

A lack of volunteers and finances coupled with increasing costs for risk assessments and event management cover led to the decision. The festival has been a major event in the town’s diary for the past eight years.

Mr Fosbraey said: "Cllr John Wright said we were offered nearly £3,000 by Swale council but we were offered £1,800. It was suggested we might get the money from the cancelled Christmas Market which was about £1,200 but there were no letters. It was all verbal.

"We could have done it on £5,000 this year but we couldn’t get £5,000 and that’s the bottom line. We don’t know where to get that funding from."

Mr Blackbourn said: "We need at least two or three people to work on the committee and one person dedicated to raising funds."

The committee lost further money by not charging stall holders to set up on the day.

Mr Blackbourn said: "The council said the stalls had to pay for licences. It meant they were then having to pay us and the council so it wasn’t worth them coming."

The three businessmen say they also need to set up a limited company if the event continues.

At the moment only one of them can be named on the insurance form meaning that person is liable if anything goes wrong.

Mr Fosbraey said: "It means the company will be liable instead but that’s an extra cost to set it up."

It’s hoped the event will go ahead next year if all the issues can be resolved and it can raise a minimum of £5,000.

Anyone with any offers of help, donations or ideas is asked to write to Daren Blackbourn Blackbourn TV, 31 High Street, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4AW