A firework finale for a town’s summer festival has been cancelled over fears there are insufficient funds in place to allow it to go ahead.

The bash in Herne Bay was due to take place later this month to culminate a series of activities throughout August.

But a statement from the team behind the Herne Bay Festival Finale and Fireworks – which would feature the display and a party featuring numerous stallholders – has revealed uncertainty over its finances, paperwork and permissions.

The message said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the cancellation of our finale and fireworks event.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, however, we have been unable to get confirmation from the event organiser that sufficient funds are in place, that the necessary paperwork and permissions are in place and that all or even any deposits have been paid.”

The festival team is not directly involved in planning the fireworks and a representative for the charity confirmed it is an individual’s actions which had led to their decision to cancel.

They did not reveal any further details about the circumstances or who the person responsible is.

The show – due to take place on Saturday, August 26 – was part of a series of free summer activities in the town largely run by volunteers including a carnival which will take place tomorrow.

Fireworks were due to be set off alongside live music at the clock tower on the seafront.

The post added: “We are extremely disappointed that one of our flagship, much-loved celebrations cannot go ahead.

“We will continue to contact suppliers, organisations and performers that we know of, or as we find out about them, to update them on the situation.”

Festival volunteers have asked any traders booked due to appear at the fireworks event to contact them and not to give any cash to the organiser in question.

The overall festival is managed by a board of volunteer trustees who “pride themselves on delivering and assisting in the delivery of the town’s summer events”.

Disappointed residents and potential visitors to the town have shared their sorrow following the announcement on Facebook.

One commented: “We were looking forward to a day of entertainment and have planned our weekend around it.

“I appreciate all the hard work carried out by the volunteers and I thank you.

“I expect you are as disappointed as we are - I can't remember the last time we didn't celebrate the finishing of the festival.”

Another stated: “All the hard work the volunteers put in and they are let down by others not doing their job properly.

“The commercial loss to the traders and businesses on the seafront must be astronomical and something they rely on year in and year out.

“It’s always been a great event and a fantastic end to the festival.”

Organisers behind the not-for-profit festival have urged visitors to support the carnival parade instead which starts at 6pm from Lane End, finishing at The Broadway. Fireworks will also be displayed as well as live music.