Plans for the Maidstone River Festival have sunk for the second successive year.

The free festival, which also had to be cancelled in 2020 because of the coronavirus health crisis, was due to take place on Saturday, July 31.

But organisers have decided it is "too risky" to put an outside event on this year.

David Naghi, chairman of the Maidstone River Festival Committee, said: “The Maidstone River Festival will not be taking place this year.

“A lot of people have been in touch and have asked me just what is happening. The committee decided it was still too risky to put an outside event on this year.

“Next year's event is planned for Saturday, July 30.

"This event can only take place with the support and goodwill of the people of Maidstone.

“I am hoping that, during the week before the River Festival next year, that the town businesses will be holding events as well.

“Time will tell. Thank you all for your great support.”

When it last took place in 2019, 87 boats flocked to the event and about 330 people visited the County Town especially for the day.

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