HARPENDEN'S annual Big Night Out could be in danger of being cancelled this year unless it receives some much needed support from St Albans District Council.

An increased public liability insurance premium of up to £1,000 has placed an extra burden on the organisers, Harpenden First, who already finance between £5,000 and £6,000 for the event.

Mr Micheal Weaver, director of Harpenden First, said: "It may not be able to go ahead this year unless we can get financial support from the council who have supported it in the past, but who failed to do so last year."

"We don't need huge sums of money because the event should be self-funding, but, it is hard for shop keepers to pay for the increase all by themselves.

"It would be very sad if does not go ahead because it is the biggest community event of the year attracting up to 5,000 people in Harpenden."

Mr Weaver said he would like the council to give something towards the £1,000 premium which ensures the safety of the public who come into the town on the night.

He added: "This would be one modest way that St Albans District Council could show it's support for surrounding towns like Harpenden."

Mr Peter Lerner, head of the paid service at St Albans District Council, said: "We were unable to support last year's event as our budget for the year was very tight and the bid from Harpenden First was made a very short time before the event.

"But, we are currently in the process of organising next year's budget and we would welcome any bid they would like to make for this year's event."

Mr Weaver has asked Harpenden Town Council for financial support but it's budget is already stretched as it provides the tree and lights for the evening.

The Big Night Out marks the start of Christmas in Harpenden. Last year more than 5,000 people turned up on a cold evening in November to see the cast from the Wizard Of Oz pantomime join the town mayor, Teresa Heritage, in switching on the Christmas lights in the town.