THE popular annual Poole Park Fest is taking a rest this August Bank Holiday.

There will be no two-day feast of live music and fun activities this summer in Poole Park, which every year attracts thousands of people.

Myrna Chave, chairman of the Friends of Poole Park, which has staged the event since 2004, said they had made the decision with regret.

“The costs of putting on this festival are now in the region of £30,000,” she said. “Although stall holders income goes some way to raising the outlay needed, funding has relied heavily on sponsorship and the generosity of public donations collected during the Fest.

“Due to the current economic climate these have understandably fallen over recent years.

“Many volunteers have worked tirelessly on putting on the festivals and some have helped every year since the first was held in 2004.

“The Friends thank them wholeheartedly for their efforts and hope that if significant sponsorship is forthcoming the Fest will be reinstated in 2012.”

This event is much more than a live music festival, also including sports and leisure activities, stalls, arts and crafts and children’s rides.

Clive Smith, head of leisure services, Borough of Poole said: “Poole Park Fest is a great community event that helps to raise money for park improvements and it is unfortunate it will not take place this year.

“However, we will support the organisers should they wish to organise the event again in the future.”

It has raised several thousand pounds which has been invested in the Victorian park.

Funds have helped provide the fountain in the saltwater lake, additional play equipment, picnic tables and other improvements.

The Friends are appealing for sponsorship from local businesses and anyone interested can contact Bill Deans on 01202 257825 or at bill.deans@friendsofpoolepark.co.uk.