by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

This year's Dover Regatta has been cancelled after organisers said they were unable to deliver an event "of acceptable quality".

In a statement issued today, they said their decision was due to both financial and availability constraints.

"Concentration will be focussed on delivering a bigger and better event in 2013.

"The main reasons for this decision are the increased costs in the provision of essential services without which the event cannot take place – these costs may have been increased due to the many additional events taking place in Dover this year and the general decrease in available sponsorship due to the current economic climate.

"In addition to the financial issues there were also concerns regarding the availability of some attractions and volunteers.

"Dover Regatta Core Group would like to thank the people who act as our partners in putting on the Regatta – most notably Dover Harbour Board, Dover Town Council, Dover District Council, the RNLI and Kent Police – for all their hard work and input into making this difficult decision, as well as the traders and other suppliers who support the event every year.

"We are sorry that the wonderful Dover public will not have a Regatta this year, but we will be back next year stronger than ever!"