SLAITHWAITE'S successful Moonraking Festival will not be held next year.

The 2007 festival has been cancelled - but organisers have promised it will return bigger and better in 2008.

The week-long event has become a victim of its own success, with many of the activities running at full capacity this year and people having to be turned away.

This, together with the increasing legislative and administrative workload, prompted organisers to have a rethink to ensure the festival remains a success.

Organisers believe the 22 year-old festival has grown as far as it can in its current form.

Gill Bond, of Satellite Arts, and one of the founders of the festival, said: "Each year we work hard to give the people of Slaithwaite and the Colne Valley a safe, innovative and exciting programme of activities.

"More and more people are coming to lantern-making workshops and more and more are taking part in the lantern procession and coming to the finale by the canal.

"This year the popularity of the workshops meant we had to turn some families away. We are always very aware of health and safety and there just wasn't any more room.

"We know how much children and parents look forward to the event and it was hugely disappointing to have to say, sorry we're full.

"Taking a break until February, 2008, gives us an opportunity to look at what's best about Moonraking, what works, what doesn't, and what needs changing," she added

Stuart Render, chairman of the festival organising group, said: "For 2008 we want to make sure that we can accommodate more people, both as participants and spectators.

"We are looking to offer a wider range of lantern workshops to make sure that everyone who wants to take part can do so.

"We want to change the arrangements for the outdoor finale down by the canal, so that more people can see the raking of the moon.

"We are exploring the possibilities of a new event to open the festival.

"Moonraking 2008 will be different, but at its heart it will still have all the main elements that have made it the success it has become.

"Moonraking is a highly valued community event and we recognise our responsibilities in making the festival sustainable."