SKY high costs have forced the cancellation of the popular annual hot air balloon fiesta held in Tavistock. The August bank holiday Westcountry Balloon Fiesta and Day at the Races weekend event has been grounded by its organisers, Tavistock Lions Club and Tavistock Round Table Club. They said a variety of factors had contributed to the 'difficult decision'. The event's press officer, Steve Grummitt, said: 'The main reason was the escalating costs of staging the fiesta which, for the past two years, had been covered by sponsorship from national companies with locally based operations.' Changes in European legislation which caused the cancellation of the event in 2005 meant that static gas tanks had to be installed on site during the fiesta and the cost to bring them in, plus the gas used, now exceeds £5,000. Further changes in legislation also meant the organisers had to hire specialist personnel to co- ordinate the ballooning and safety aspects, functions previously carried out by other qualified balloonists attending the fiesta. 'There are also significant costs such as lighting, toilets, signage, advertising and marquees, which in previous years have been covered by sponsorship and income from programme advertisers, space rental from trade stands and side-shows such as the giant inflatable slides, as well as catering concession,' said Mr Grummitt. The organisers made efforts to find a sponsor. Tavistock Town Council offered a loan of £5,000 to underwrite a proportion of the increased costs in putting on the event, which would have to be repaid from fiesta profits, usually donated to local organisations and charities. Mr Grummitt said the clubs were pleased the council offered support, but reluctantly took the decision that the offer alone was insufficient to ensure the event could proceed on a sound financial basis. 'Unfortunately, at this late stage, a potential sponsor has just come forward, but the organisers believe that the fiesta could still not take place as many of the balloonists are now committed to flying at other events around the country. 'In addition, many of the trade stands and side shows have now made alternative bookings for this prime bank holiday weekend,' he said. 'Another important factor in the decision was that Tavistock College, the usual venue for the event would no longer be available due to the new all- weather pitch and running track, work on which is due to be started during the summer. 'This would have necessitated a move back to the smaller Crowndale site adjacent to Tavistock Football Club but as recently announced, money has now been made available for the redevelopment of the junior football pitches. This will also start later this year and it would mean the area would not be available for use as a balloon launch area next year.' But the Lions and Round Table clubs are keen to see ballooning continue in some form in Tavistock and the organising committee will have talks with the Lion's Carnival committee to see how some ballooning activity can be included in next year's carnival. A proposal that the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) is currently investigating is to have a Great British Ballooning Day when hot air balloons all over the country take to the skies so it may yet be possible that a small number of balloons will be seen in the West Devon area in late August or early September. One of the other popular attractions over the Fiesta weekend has been the Day at the Races pantomime horse racing organised by the Round Table. It is hoped this can be incorporated into a Fun Day in the Meadows on the Sunday of the Lions-organised Tavistock Carnival week. Mr Grummitt added: 'Lions Club and Round Table members are disappointed that one of the most popular events in the Tavistock calendar, which started 16 years ago, will not be happening for the foreseeable future. 'The clubs have enjoyed working together to raise money for the local community. They are keen that this association continues and discussions will be taking place later this year in order to try to find an alterative fundraising event.