ONE of Huddersfield's biggest summer events has been cancelled because it can't raise the cash.

The Timeless Festival was due to be held for the fifth time at Ravensknowle Park in September.

But a lack of financial support means this year, no music will be made at the Moldgreen venue.

Last year, there were doubts that the 2005 festival would go ahead because of a cash shortage.

Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services stepped in with money to ensure the event went ahead - but this year, there is no money to save the show.

Historically, much of the festival's financial support has come from regeneration agency Huddersfield Pride.

But the agency's work has come to an end - along with the funding.

Bids to past supporters, including the Arts Council, have proved unsuccessful.

Organiser Pat Fulgoni said: "Each year the festival has needed to forge new partnerships to survive. Funds have been even harder to come by this year.

"It looks like there is no real possibility for this year's festival, simply because we have not been able to secure the funding.

"It is a real shame given the hard work that has been put in, but we do hope to come back stronger next year."

Since the festival began in 2002, thousands of people of different ages and cultural backgrounds have enjoyed entertainment from big names such as The Selecter, Panjabi Hit Squad, Transglobal Underground, Lo Fidelity Allstars and The Freestylers.

Local bands and urban acts have also had chance to showcase their talents.

As the festival grew, an extra Clocktower stage was added for up-and-coming talent and last year, a freestyle stage was held.

It was used for performances and workshops by bands, including La Cedille from Huddersfield's French twin town Besancon.

The festival has been so popular that last year its organiser, Pat Fulgoni, was awarded the Huddersfield Examiner Community Award for Music and the Arts for his work on the event.

Mr Fulgoni said the cancellation of the festival is a blow - especially as it has led to several successful projects.

In 2004, bands who played at the festival featured on a compilation CD - Sounds From A Big Town - which was released on Mr Fulgoni's record label Chocolate Fireguard.

This received airplay in countries including China and Japan and led to five of the artists having their music licensed on overseas compilations.

Chocolate Fireguard was one of two record labels asked to give international presentations to boost UK exports at the South By South West music festival in Austin, Texas.

The presentation featured footage of the Timeless Festival and information about Timeless Music Project artists including punk band Mary-Jane from Lowerhouses and Dalton hip hop group the Practical Headz.

Mr Fulgoni said: "It was all part of the project's strategy to show to the outside world that Huddersfield and the surrounding area has a strong diverse music industry and is a happening place to live.

"The festival received international recognition for its eclectic, multicultural programme and showcasing opportunities and has been Guardian Guide "pick of the week" two years running.

"The series of presentations promoted our work to some very important people at home and abroad. It's fantastic for Huddersfield's reputation.

"Although losing the festival is a major blow for the area, we do have some exciting new projects in the planning stages."

A spokesman for Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services confirmed that no cash would be coming from the council towards the Timeless Festival this year.

However, he said they were in talks with festival organisers about support for next year's event.

He said: "Whilst we have helped with publicity and promotion in the past, the Timeless Festival is not part of Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services' programme.

"Last year was the first time we had worked in partnership to organise the Festival. Funding available last year was not available this. Kirklees Council supports the concept of the Festival. It is to begin discussions to work in partnership on the 2007 festival."