Cash-strapped council chiefs have axed the annual Classical Fantasia concert held in the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey.
The event attracted thousands to the Abbey each year, starting off as a free eevnt
In a statement, a council spokesman said: “The council continues to support a strong programme of arts and events as part of our ambition to make Leeds a great place to live, work and visit.
“Because of the continued financial pressures being faced by the council the types of events we can support are changing and we have had to review the long-term sustainability of some elements of the programme, and in particular those where the council has been the sole funder.
“Due to the significant cost of organising, producing and staging Classical Fantasia, we have taken the decision to no longer hold this event.”
The statement said that the council continues to host concerts at Leeds Town Hall and in Millennium Square. the Opera and Ballet in the Park have already been cut by the council, which this financial year faced budget cuts from central government of £45.4million.
I HAVE BEEN LIVING INTHE UK FOR 12 YEARS AND WAS INVITED TO THIS SHOW 3 YEARS AGO AND LOVED IT . SO SAD IT HAS GONE NEVER REALLY GO OUT BUT FOUND THIS SO IVIGERATING SO LOOKEDFORWARD TO IT. I CANT UNDERSTAND WHY IT HAD TO GO AS YOU WHERE CHARGING FOR IT SURLEY YOU SHOULD HAVE COVERED OR RECOVERED LOADS OFFUNDS CONSIDERING THE TURN OUT IN NUMBERS . HOME IT COMES BACK SOMETIMES. CLASSICAL LOVER AND THE OPEN AIR.
Heart broken this has gone. Used to go every year with family and friends. We loved it. Hope they bring it back!