‘DRASTIC’ council funding cuts have sounded the death knell for the Winsford Festival.

Organisers say 2010 will be their last after Cheshire West and Cheshire Council slashed its funding contribution to less than a quarter of the £19,500 cost.

Steve Smith, who has organised and raised funds for the festival for the last 11 years, said the latest move by CWAC had reduced finances to an ‘impractical’ level.

He said: “Events which take place in other areas of Cheshire West and Chester such as Northwich have been given funding with no cut from previous years which amounts to a five-figure sum.

“When you compare this to the minimal amount invested in Winsford, the difference is massive and has meant that for years the festival has had to find many other funding sources to put on a bigger show each year.

“I’ve loved doing it but for me it’s about the recognition and I don’t feel like we are getting that. The money they have offered us probably wouldn’t even cover the cost of the toilets.”

He added: “Although the shortfall in funding from CWAC will have an impact on the Festival 2010 the event will go ahead and we endeavour to give Winsford a fabulous show we feel the people of the town deserve.”

Festival chairman Clr Pam Booher, who sits on the town council and CWAC, agreed with Steve’s sentiment that the town is being sidelined.

She said: “It’s a big disappointment. We feel that Winsford is losing out on this and we hope people will let CWAC what they think.

“The Thundersprint is getting more than £40,000. Steve has really put himself out over the years to get a bigger and better show.

“The council has given no reason but there’s certainly been no cut to the Thundersprint. The Thundersprint, the Winsford Festival and the Frodsham Christmas Festival were all organised to put Vale Royal on the map so I think this is really sad.”

A spokesman for CWAC said it would be happy to meet with festival organisers to discuss the situation.