KEIGHLEY Festival bosses have blasted local businesses, churches and councillors for not supporting the annual event.

The festival’s volunteer-committee has called for more hands-on involvement from groups and politicians in the town.

Members say they are “going on the warpath” to persuade Keighley’s business community and other organisations to get serious about promoting the town’s talent.

Pictured are festival committee members including town councillor Andrea Walker, left, issuing their call for support.

Festival chairman Malcolm Hanson said that in the light of ever-dwindling public finances the motto this year would be “the festival needs you!”.

Keighley Festival will this year run from July 6 to 11 with more than 30 shows and functions for various ages.

Bradford Council and Keighley Town Town Council have each agreed to provide funding.

Mr Hanson said: “We rarely get anything more than a small amount of help offered from the business world, and quite often feel we are offered no more than ‘crumbs from the rich man’s table.’.

“With the ever-present cuts threatening to destroy possibly the last community event of its kind in the north, we are here to say we don’t need crumbs.

“What we need is that rich man and his table, and if it makes us unpopular in getting it then so be it!”

To get involved, should e-mail: malcolm.b.hanson.@gmail.com, or call Mr Hanson on 01756 798730.