FESTIVAL organisers have announced WrabFest will not be running this year to give its “tireless” volunteers a rest.

After five consecutive years of family fun at the popular Wrabness-based festival, trustees have taken the decision not to hold the event this August.

The decision came after volunteers said they were “stretched to full capacity” at last summer’s festival during a meeting in Wrabness Village Hall.

Trustee Alasdair Ritchie said: “We’re so proud of the event we’ve grown.

“It’s not perfect and we’re excited about the improvements we have in store for our regulars, but first we need to let our tireless volunteers have a summer off.

“WrabFest takes a huge amount of work, both on the day from our army of helpers, but in the weeks and months beforehand too.

“We’re sad to make this decision – we’ll very much miss the buzz this summer – but for the sustainability of this event we need a rest.

“We’re sorry to disappoint, but WrabFest will be back on in August 2021.”

The decision follows feedback from those involved in every element of the event.

The decision to withhold the event until next year has been shared on the festival’s social media sites, triggering a flurry of comments from disappointed, but supportive followers.

In 2019, WrabFest sold out a week before the event.

A crowd of 3,000 attended for a day of live music, diverse food and drink and family-friendly acts.

New additions to last summer’s event included a Pimms bar, the Stour Ladies’ tea tent, a wildlife area and a large army of volunteers to increase safety at the event and minimise litter.

Last spring, WrabFest donated £10,000 to a range of projects including Home-Start Harwich, Wrabness Community Shop, the Electric Palace and 12 primary schools.

An additional £1,000 has already been handed to Harwich Foodbank thanks to a tea tent run by Stour Ladies.

Visit wrabfest.co.uk for more information.