HUTTON’S long-standing May Day festivities were called off this year due to a paucity of planning.
Villagers were left disappointed last weekend by only the second cancellation in the event’s 30-year history. Past organisers this week said the parade and fair were dropped because of a lack of drive in planning. The annual show attracted hundreds of people to the village, brought together organisations and raised money for charity. Organiser Eric Holdaway said: “Everybody is disappointed, but it is a lesson we will just have to learn. “The problem was that there was no driving force behind organising the show this year, unlike past years. “In the end, there were too many uncertainties about the venue and organisation. “I hope that in the future there will be a strong committee to drive the event forward again.” The event had raised money for the building of the village hall and scout hall in past years. Parish leaders, however, could step in to guarantee the festival takes place next May. Hutton Parish Council clerk Andrew Basterfield said: “Councillors are to discuss taking organising responsibilities on to ensure the event is back.” The matter has been put on the agenda for the full council meeting next Monday in the village hall.