A LAST ditch attempt is being made to get Skipton's businesses to support the town's Medieval Festival.

Traders have been invited to a meeting at the Devonshire pub on Newmarket Street at 7pm on Monday.

Festival organisers intend to spell it out to them that without their financial help the 2006 festival will not go ahead.

The Medieval Festival has been running 11 years and traditionally features acts such as stilt walkers, jugglers, duellers, puppeteers and lots of musical entertainment.

Run over two Sundays before Christmas, the event attracts thousands of visitors into the town, many arriving on coaches.

Festival organiser Joan Evans, who is stepping down after six years, said local businesses had been warned the festival was in danger and there had been some offers of practical assistance.

But Mrs Evans, who is also vice chairman of Skipton Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "The problem we have is the financial side.

"At the moment we are running at a deficit and it's the first time we have been like this in the six years I have been running it. We are not seriously in the red as some money has not come in yet."

Festival organisers have tried to get more entertainment on the programme, but this has meant the event is now costing more than £17,000 to stage.

The organising committee is increasingly having to go out with the begging bowl, approaching companies such as Skipton Building Society and the Tarn Moor Trust for sponsorship.

The Chamber of Trade runs the festival and while it does not wish to turn it into a money-making venture, members feel it is crucial the running costs are covered.

Mrs Evans said the Medieval Festival was extremely important to town centre trade.

She urged businesses, particularly cafs and pubs, to contribute cash either by paying for a slot in the programme or via a donation.

She said: "They must examine their consciences and think about all the money they make on the day."

After Monday's meeting, the Chamber of Trade will meet the festival committee and decide whether there is enough support to go ahead with the 2006 festival.

Mrs Evans warned that if the event had to be cancelled it would be difficult to restart it.

She said: "Once we have lost momentum and not got a festival, there might be outcry, but if people tried to start it again it might be too late."

Anyone who can help with the festival is asked to contact the Chamber of Trade on 01756 798257 or email chamber@skipton online.co.uk