It's ten years ago this week since cutbacks plunged the future of a popular festival into doubt.

The future of Epping Forest Festival on Chingford Plain is in doubt.

The City of London Corporation, which manages the forest, announced in February that events like the festival, which costs £22,000, would not be going ahead this year due to Government cuts.

A corporation spokeswoman confirmed the festival is unlikely to return in the current economic climate unless alternative funding can be secured.

She added: "We, like all other local authorities are under pressure to achieve efficiency savings in relation to our services.

“Unfortunately tough decisions have to be made in order to ensure that we maintain a high standard of service provision here at the Epping Forest.“

Superintendent of Epping Forest Paul Thomson said: “We will bring back the Forest Festival should the City’s finances improve.

“I understand local people will, in particular, be disappointed by the cancellation of this year’s festival.”