THE popular Fisherton Festival will not take place for the second year running due to a lack of funding, despite assurances last year that it would return in 2018.

The festival first took place in 2015, organised by Fisherton Street business owner Paul Dauwalder.

The street carnival which took place on the first Bank Holiday Monday in May was hailed a huge success with international music, street food from around the world, crafts and children’s entertainment.

More than 7,000 people attended and it was so popular that another one took place in 2016, organised by Mr Dauwalder’s son, Stephen.

It attracted around 10,000 people with even more events taking place in the area.

But last year street traders rejected the idea of a smaller event in favour of having a complete break.

The event had been unable to find a major commercial sponsor to fund the free community event and also suffered from a lack of volunteers to organise it.

Organisers said the event would return with a new look in 2018.

A statement on the event’s website said: “Here’s looking forward to a revamped Festival in 2018

“It will be BACK BIGGER & BETTER!!!”

But today they said the event would not go ahead “until further notice”.

Organiser Stephen Dauwalder said: "It's all down to funding."

He said the event needed around £10,000 from commercial sponsors. Wiltshire Council gave £6,000 towards the first two events, but that source of funding ended last year.

Mr Dauwalder said it was shame because the council had made a profit from parking charges at both events.

"It's disappointing for the town," he said.

"Most of the city centre retail businesses did extremely well on the day."

Asked whether the event would return in 2019, Mr Dauwalder said: "There's always that possibility. It's hard work but it's quite rewarding."