A FOOD festival which last year brought a £1.5million boost to a South Lakeland town's economy will not be taking place in 2017.

The Kendal Festival of Food, which has been held since 2009, has become an established event on the national food and drink calendar, showcasing Northern producers and culinary talent.

It now attracts more than 32,000 visitors a year but organisers have cancelled this year's event citing difficulties in raising the money needed to put it on.

Festival organiser Cath Dutton, who ran the event with Stacy Hurley, said they are working closely with funding partners and sponsors to develop plans for the festival to return next year.

“Stacy and I have run the event for four years now and each year generating the budget needed to deliver the festival has been increasingly challenging," said Cath.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to postpone this year’s festival but we’re keen to review the event structure and generate fresh ideas to ensure it can become a sustainable model that is around for visitors to enjoy for many more years to come.”

The festival has grown a loyal following of attendees and producers over the years, and has a core of passionate partners and supporters, many of whom have pledged their support for developing the event beyond 2018.

The organisers are promising that upon its return the festival will offer something fresh and different while still retaining many of the favourites which visitors have come to treasure.

Councillor Clare Feeney-Johnson, from Kendal Town Council, said: “We are obviously disappointed that the event will not be going ahead this year but are keen to support organisers in developing a sustainable platform in which the festival can succeed.

"We believe this festival is important to the town and want to see it thrive; taking a break to re-assess is an approach that we support.”