IT’S one of the most popular events organised by Kirklees Council.

But now the Party in the Park music event has been cancelled.

The axing of the two nights, which in previous years attracted around 15,000 people, has been blamed on government cuts and a lack of space.

The event, which started in St George’s Square, moved to Greenhead Park and then had to relocate to Dewsbury when the Huddersfield park was regenerated. It proved popular with visitors.

A survey conducted by the council saw a 98% response rate from festival-goers in favour of the event.

There surely can’t be that many council-organised events with such overwhelming backing?

But could the council have organised such an event, paying thousands of pounds for a big name band or singer, when they’re making people redundant and cutting vital services?

One councillor says belts need to be tightened, another says it was about giving something back to the taxpayers.

Other West Yorkshire local authorities are still holding their own events, but in places like Bingley they’re charging residents.

In Kirklees, it’s a balancing act which could have gone either way and it remains to be seen how the public will respond to the event being rested.

But it would take a brave person to put a pop star for one night above providing social care, for example.