The world-renowned Lewes International Guitar Festival has been scrapped because of a funding crisis.

Organisers hoped a desperate last-minute appeal for £5,000 would save this year's event.

However, only £1,500 was raised, which will be kept in the pot for next year.

Flamenco, folk and classical guitarists from across the world had been lined up to perform during the week-long showcase, which was founded in the town five years ago.

But bids for funding to the National Lottery and local councils were unsuccessful.

Last year's event was similarly threatened after a lottery bid was rejected but an anonymous benefactor came forward with £5,000 just in time.

However, there was no such windfall for the festival this time.

Stephen Hill, who owns a guitar-making workshop in Mount Pleasant, Lewes, predicted the reluctant decision to cancel would disappoint many in the town's musical community.

He said: "Unfortunately we ran out of time to raise enough.

"We feel it would be better not to just go ahead with a smaller festival this year because its name justifies a real, proper week-long event.

"We pride ourselves on attracting absolutely top-name performers so we will be doing everything possible to make next year's event really special."

The festival, which usually takes place in early August, features free daytime concerts, children's workshops, masterclasses, films and exhibitions.

Mr Hill said: "It's a terrible shame we could not find enough support this year.

"We had the majority of performers already booked and ready to go and they will be disappointed to hear we can't go ahead after all."

Previous visitors to the festival have included Mercury Prize-nominated Kathryn Williams and classical soloist John Mills.

Lewes has become a thriving base for expert guitar-makers, known as luthiers, who comprise the Lewes Guitar Makers collective.

Courses run by Mr Hill, since he moved to Lewes 16 years ago, have attracted students from all over the world, including Japan, Iceland, Brazil and the traditional homeland of guitar-making, Spain.