Organised by Hastings, Battle and Bexhill Round Tables, this is the first time the Alexandra Park festival will not go ahead in the event's 26-year history.

High running costs, difficulties in lining up bands and last year's dismal turnout which resulted in the event incurring losses, are to blame.

Tim Pilbeam, of Battle Round Table, said high profile bands Keane and Status Quo drew huge crowds to the park in 2005 and 2006, and festival-goers' rising expectations for headline acts could not be met this year.

Tribute bands booked last year failed to attract high numbers with less than 4,000 people attending compared to previous levels of about 10,000.

Mr Pilbeam said: "The biggest problem we have is attracting big groups.
"Last year was a complete and utter disaster. We keep spending more and more money every year to keep people happy and the costs are high if it goes wrong.

"We usually have a fund which bank rolls the event, and it's not there now because of last year's losses. We are a charitable group and can't take the financial risk of borrowing money.
"A year off may rekindle people's interest."

On average, the festival costs about £90,000 to stage, including security, lighting and sound provision, marquees and toilets, without fees for hiring musicians.

Over the last 10 years, 90,000 people have attended the festival, spending a total of £1.8 million and more than £350,000 has been raised for local charities.

Average alcohol consumption per festival is 6,000 bottles of alcopops, 16,000 pints of real ale, 15,000 pints of lager, 4,000 pints of cider, 2,500 glasses of wine and 700 pints of Guinness.

However, the event's focus on beer may need to be re-thought due to a national slide in sales, said Mr Pilbeam.

"Nationally beer sales have dropped with many local music event going bankrupt, or failing, so the formula needs changing," he added and urged people to put forward ideas for next year's festival.

"There is still a need for an event like this though. It's time to move it on. The event management team of the Hastings Music and Beer Festival have the desire, ability and resources to manage and event within Hastings and the surrounding area with the sole purpose of raising money for local charities, clubs and organisations."

Suggestions can be e-mailed to info@hbmf.co.uk or visit www.hbmf.co.uk for more details.