Festival bosses warn of failure without support
BBCFestival organisers have warned an annual event might not happen next year without extra funding.
More than 15,000 people are expected to attend Keswick Mountain Festival, which is taking place in Crow Park on the shores of Derwentwater in the Lake District, this weekend.
It has been around since 2007 - but organisers have said it "teeters on the brink of viability" as they appealed for help from investors and the local authority.
Cumberland Council said it recognised there were funding challenges and encouraged event providers to seek support through grant schemes.
The authority added it was providing practical advice and support.
Organiser Paul McGreal said there was "absolutely a risk" Keswick Mountain Festival might not happen next year.
The event features a range of outdoor activities and live music, and Mr McGreal said it contributed about £1.5m to the local economy.
"This event teeters on the brink of viability and there's only so long we can sustain that," he said.
"It does feel that we are at a bit of a crossroads, that if we don't manage to attract that kind of support, we've got some really tough decisions to make."
He added although it was commercial, the event was not profitable.
"If people here want this thing to exist, I think we need to be having that conversation," Mr McGreal added.
A spokesperson for Cumberland Council said the local authority appreciated the value of events and cultural activities and funding challenges within the current economic climate.
"We encourage all cultural event partners to seek external funding, through established grants schemes, and we will continue to work positively with them in the future," they added.