Colchester Free Festival has been denied charity status because the event is "too much fun"

Charitable status was sought by event organisers because it makes getting funding easier and offers a range of benefits, including various tax concessions.

But those involved in arranging the event in Castle Park have now learned their application has been ditched by the Charity Commission.

The organisers will now have to double their efforts to raise the £40,000 needed to stage the event this year.

In its letter to organisers, the Charity Commission states the promotion of the arts can only be considered if significant elements of education are involved.

While the commission acknowledged elements of the festival were educational, it said "to be seen as charitable by law, the festival's programme as a whole must be educational, rather than just entertaining."

Festival co-ordinator Abigail Cooper said: "We are not going to give up. It is going to make it more difficult to get funding as it is a lot easier to get money if you are a charity.

"It is a shame the Charity Commission considers the festival to be too much fun to be granted registered status.

"There appears to be a significant tendency on the part of society's rule-makers and funders to fail to appreciate the value of having fun and celebrating as a tool for combating poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion."

The free festival will be held in Castle Park on August 26, from 10.30am until 7pm.

Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002