The hugely popular Herne Bay Rocks finale show has been cancelled in the face of rising costs to provide emergency medical cover.

Organiser David Shepherd says he has taken the decision with a heavy heart but is not prepared to put on a lesser event to meet the extra demands.

It follows new guidance from the Safety Advisory Group which has told the committee it needs to triple the paramedic and ambulance cover for this year’s event on August 31.

That would push the emergency medical costs to around £1,000 for the day which musician Mr Shepherd says he will struggle to meet on top of the other financial demands, including bands.

“It is not a decision I have taken lightly after 15 years volunteering on this wonderful event,” he said.

“But despite it running without major incident, the Safety Advisory Group, whose advice you would be foolish to ignore, have fed back that our medical team of four first responders is no longer adequate.”

Throughout its long history, the Herne Bay Rocks finale has put on some top acts, including Chas and Dave and Geno Washington, drawing crowds in their thousands to the seafront.

Mr Shepherd said: “While I understand that having no previous incidents does not guarantee there won’t be any future ones, these added costs means the finale is not financially viable as a free event organised by unpaid volunteers on behalf of a not-for-profit organisation.

“I have already cut the show to the bare bones while doing my best to keep it recognisable as the spectacular finale that the town has come to expect.

“Any further cuts or compromise would result in a lesser event which I would not be prepared to associate either my name or Herne Bay Rocks with. “

Mr Shepherd says he does not blame the city council, which continues to support the Herne Bay Festival despite its own financial difficulties.

And he says the Herne Bay Rocks bands competition in the town’s pubs and venues will still continue to encourage local talent but there would now not be the finale concert on a big stage for the winner to perform on.

He added: “I am absolutely heartbroken to be walking away from this after many years of volunteering and putting my heart and soul into the festival.”

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