A POPULAR annual village celebration has been cancelled due to funding issues.

Rottingdean Smugglers, which is held in the heart of the village on the first Saturday in December, has been cancelled for the first time since the event was founded five years ago. The event was inspired by the village’s smuggling history, which dates back to the 13th Century when French pirates sacked the village whilst travelling to Lewes.

This led to centuries of illegal smuggling.

The village’s pubs were known to be haven’s for smugglers and The Black Horse was a favourite for them to meet and discuss business.

Whipping Post House in the village was home to the notorious Captain Dunk.

Smuggling bloomed heavily in Rottingdean, with those who handled the illegal cargo earning up to two shillings and seven pennies a day, which was more than twice the amount given to the local farmers.

Rottingdean Smugglers attracts between 3,000 and 6,000 visitors each year and culminates with a spectacular firework display, a torch procession and a bonfire.

Not only is it a chance for a celebration but it enables the village to come together.

In recent years there has been a Father Christmas grotto in the village hall as well as the Smugglers Stall.

Cafes, pubs and restaurants also all get involved.

Chris White, chairman of the Rottingdean Smugglers, has blamed the cancellation on a lack of funding and support.

He said that complying with legislation and health and safety rules in particular have pushed up costs. The organisation, which used to pay £6,000 a year for security, is now expected to pay £10,000 along with other costs necessary to host the event.

He added that in previous years, the event had been given free police assistance to help with the security of the event. But this is no longer an option, and the organisation is expected to contribute to policing costs.

Additionally, a hit to the funding has come from the departure of King and Chasemore estate agents from the village

The company used to provide £3,000 for the event.

However, work is now under way for the Rottingdean Smugglers to become a charity-based organisation, and White hopes for a return of the event in 2018.

For more details and to help visit rottingdeansmugglers.co.uk.