Maldon residents are urged to support the town's Fantasia summer event - or it could be their last.

Tickets are currently on sale for the event at the Promenade Park on July 1 and 2, but Maldon District Council chairman, Roy Pipe said: "Despite a great show on Sunday last year only 4,500 people turned up.

"We need an 8,000 sell out each night to break even and only if we achieve this will we get the shows continuing."

Mr Pipe said: "The council haven't decided not to do it and we committed ourselves two years in advance because of the millennium but it is my opinion if we don't get a really good turn out they may not do it next year."

This year's event features tribute band Boysonly, Alvin Stardust and Showaddywaddy on Saturday night with a water, laster and firework finale and the Calendar Concert Orchestra and choir on the Sunday, again with fireworks.

On Saturday the Techno Son et Lumiere will have enhanced effects this year with 25,000 litres of moving fountains projecting from over 1,000 jets which dance up to 25 feet high.

A laser will provide beam and tunnel effects through the atmosphere of smoke and spray. In addition 'video projection' will be used for the first time to create large moving images across the mouth of the stage.

Tickets for each night are £7 for adults, £3 children and under fives free. Gates open 5pm and show starts 6.30pm. Contact the ticket hotline on 01621 854477.

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