A LOCAL festival will not see its 17th year after the decision was made to cancel it.

The Peasedown St John’s Party in the Park, which was first launched in 2009, attracted crowds of up to 3,000 people each summer.

The local community trust has take the decision to cancel its longest running community Summer Festival due to the huge increase in event costs, says its organisers.

Known for its community spirit and focus on supporting local organisations, it’ll be the first time since the covid pandemic that the festival has had to be cancelled.

The bumper 16th annual Party in the Park last year offered seven and a half hours of live music and entertainment including stalls and attractions, a dog show, hot food and community stalls, all free of charge to visitors.

The Peasedown Community Trust, the volunteer-led charity that runs the festival, released the following statement this week: “We had hoped it wouldn’t come to this.

"We’ve been putting off this statement for as long as possible, but with the huge increase in event costs – coupled with our desire to keep the festival affordable for local people – the festival’s current financial model is no longer viable.

“With the huge increases in insurance, operational costs and the hiring of equipment, the Party in the Park festival has had to be cancelled for 2026.

“At present, without the support of a financial lifeline, the festival’s future is in doubt. The Trustees will meet again later this year to review the decision.”

A spokesperson for Keysham Music Festival responded to the announcement on Facebook: “We are very sorry to hear this news and understand how difficult it is to sustain such a great community festival. Sending good wishes for a return next year!”