An embittered local authority still owed thousands of pounds by the organisers of a Christmas event says it has banned them from holding future events on council-held land.

The festive-themed Castlemas event took place at Tonbridge Castle over 12 dates in December.

It saw the grounds decked out with numerous stalls, as well as an igloo theatre and a Santa's Grotta.

But despite assurances made to its backers, the organisers of the event which was held at the same venue a year prior, say it has now run into financial hardship it is still "trying to resolve".

According to an email sent to staff, the company that ran the event has been unable to pay workers due to the impact of the cost of living crisis. Castlemas Ltd are yet to comment.

It has also emerged that Tonbridge and Malling council, whose venue was used to stage the event, has also not been paid and is still owed £7,000.

A spokesman for the council said: "We were very disappointed to be notified by Castlemas Ltd that its financial position may mean it is unable to pay its suppliers, including the council, in full.

"We required up front payment for part of the costs of venue hire, car parking and other services and have submitted invoices for the outstanding amounts owed.

"Like others we are awaiting further information from the company."

Yesterday, Robert Styles, director of street scene, leisure and technical services at the local authority, published a letter to Castlemas Ltd to express his "dissatisfaction" with the financial management of the event.

He claimed there were opportunities to inform the council of its struggles, writing: "I am surprised that you [Castlemas Ltd] find yourself in this position.

"I am very disappointed that this was not communicated before or during the event when consideration could have been given to measures to mitigate against losses, etc."

Mr Styles added: "Due to the current outstanding debts and the consequential impact of your event locally, we as a council will not permit you to use our land for any future events even should you clear your outstanding debts.

"As you aware there remains some invoices to the council for the 2022 event. We expect to be paid in full too, being taxpayers’ money."

Meanwhile staff members who worked the Christmas event have been left "deeply upset" and "anxious".

Vicky Jeffery, from Maidstone, worked at the festival and says she is owed £630 for her work. She says she received an email from Castlemas Ltd 20 days after her last shift.

It explained that the event was not as successful as anticipated and no payments would be made due to "the fastest increase in inflation in 40 years, the devastating impact in fuel prices, the current state of our economy, and the coldest winter in 20 years".

It went on to add: "This has currently left us in a financially difficult position, which we are trying to resolve.

"We have a couple of options available to us, which we are exploring and expect these to take around 10-14 days to come to fruition.

"I would ask you for some forbearance during this period whilst we consider all options available to us. On advice, we are not currently making any payments, full, part or otherwise regarding any invoice that is currently outstanding."

Vicky added: "I feel bad that it’s happening to them but it can’t be a coincidence that it’s happened two years in a row.

"I worked 46 hours on the first week and 27 on the second week. The shifts weren’t awful because the customers were nice but we only got usually a maximum of a half an hour break thoughout the day.

"There where at least 40 cabins all with one or two people in them and all without heating and all you could do was sit or stand for up to 11 hours.

"No matter how many layers you put on it was still so cold. I ended up with a cold and the flu at the same time."

Other staff members have also hit out at the company online.

It comes amid complaints the 14-day notice period has now passed and numerous emails and calls have been ignored, it is claimed.

"Everyone worked long hours in the freezing cold trying to ensure everyone had a magical time to our own detriment," one staff member posted.

"As I’m sure everyone is aware, we are in a cost of living crisis and the majority of us worked to ensure we could pay our bills and heat our homes and have had to go without."

"This post is to raise awareness about the company as the exact same situation happened last year and cannot be allowed to happen again.

"Our main goal is to put pressure onto the company to take action and reply to our emails. If anyone could point us in the right direction to take legal action that would be appreciated."

The post had more than 100 comments, including a reply from Tonbridge and Malling council leader Matt Boughton.

The Tory leader said: "The council is aware and it is very disappointing that suppliers are not being paid in full.

"The council is also one of those suppliers due payment and is awaiting further information from the company as further invoices have been submitted by the council.

"In 2021, the council was paid in full and given the very positive review at the time it was reasonable to take a repeat booking for 2022."

Castlemas Ltd have been approached for comment.