Kent businesses have been urged to back the County Town's River Festival amid fears it may be scrapped for the second sucessive year.

A lack of sponsorship has put the 2013 event in jeopardy, 12 months after it was cancelled to make way for the town’s Olympic Torch celebrations.

A date has been set – Saturday, July 27 – but without funds the organisers say it cannot go ahead.

Festival chairman Martin Cox said: “The public are expecting it.

“But at the moment there isn’t going to be a River Festival for no reason other than we are lacking in sponsorship. That is the only way we can generate money.

“Everything else is in place. There is an event plan; the caterers are ready and we have a funfair waiting. But we do not have enough money to put it on.”

The free day has been held 32 times and always attracts thousands of people to Maidstone for attractions including a charity raft race and music stages.

Hundreds of boat owners from all over the UK converge on the riverside and decorate their boats for the festivities. There is also a final firework display at the end of the day.

Mr Cox said Maidstone council had stumped its share of the event’s costs and provided officer time towards organisation.

He added: “The public do not have to pay. It is a free event and it would be impossible to charge.”

To sponsor the raft race, it would cost £1,500; the fireworks finale £6,000 and one of the music stages £2,000.

If you can help call Mr Cox on 01622 688945 during office hours.