ORGANISERS of the hugely popular Haworth 1940s Weekend have issued a stark warning – next year’s 20th anniversary event will be cancelled if sufficient funds cannot be raised by the end of January.

The nostalgic annual event, which draws huge numbers of people to Haworth from all over the UK, costs £15,000 to stage because of extensive health and safety requirements.

Members of the organising committee and the Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), who are jointly responsible for arranging the weekend, have revealed they are “extremely disappointed” with the results of a raffle announced at the end of October to generate the necessary cash.

John Taylor, speaking on behalf of the organisers, said: “A reluctant decision has been taken by the local committee and SSAFA that if 50 per cent of the £15,000 has not been raised by January 31, the event will be cancelled.

“Our organising committee has received information as to how raffle tickets have sold to date, and the results are extremely disappointing.

“Raffle tickets will continue to be distributed to any business that wishes to help.”

The raffle features prizes of £1,000, £500 and £100, but that the amount of cash collected so far had been “negligible”.

“Instead of asking businesses for cash donations, those businesses have been asked to sell the raffle tickets,” he added.

“Tickets and posters were distributed to the main businesses at the end of October.

“Others have been approached since and work continues to find sellers.

“The actual proceeds of the weekend will go to SSAFA.”

Haworth Main Street trader Nikki Carroll, who is one of the organisers, said: “I’m very concerned. It’s quite disheartening we’re not yet hitting the fundraising figure we need, even though we’ve had some very busy weekends during the Christmas festivities.

“We’re still hoping we can achieve that target. I know the planning teams are working hard to put on the best event Haworth has ever seen, but we can’t do that without funding.”

Mr Taylor said: “SSAFA has been going for 130 years and is a very worthy cause. As the event in 2015 will be the 20th held, it is expected to be even larger.“We can confirm via West Yorkshire’s Lieutenancy Office we’ve processed a bid to invite a member of the royal family to attend. All thisbrings extra problems and costs.”