Ventnorville canned for this year — due to lack of volunteers and venues — and rising costs

The event, which has seen The Grinch visit Ventnor for the past five years, will not take place this Christmas — although organisers would like to resurrect it for 2020.

A statement said: "The Ventnorville team is disappointed to announce they will not be operating the usual Christmas event in Ventnor this year.

"There have been various planning and financial challenges to overcome — securing a venue for the craft fair, significant increases in hiring certain venues, the road closure fees for the Winter Carnival and Lantern Parade and general increasing costs.

"These together with a real lack of manpower in helping organise the event has brought us to this decision.

"Sadly there is no funding available for the lantern workshops or a free venue to store the lanterns while they are being made."

The team is a non-profit organisation and said it cannot risk operating at a loss.

They are hopeful that with a fundraising drive, they can bring the event back for 2020.

They are seeking financial sponsorship and active volunteers who should email ventnorville@gmail.com

The team thanked all those who have contributed over the past five years.