All music and dancing planned for tomorrow evening (Saturday) as part of the Castletown Carnival has been cancelled because of the threat of prosecution of festival committee members by the police.

It’s the first time in 60 years there will be no music and dancing after 6pm.

The issue revolves around if the evening events are family-oriented; the police said not.

Furious organisers said: ’Police are challenging the Festival’s status as a philanthropic community organisation.’

Police wrote to the organisers saying: ’Having reviewed the Carnival over the past few years it is evident that there are no families that attend the evening part of the event ...’

Castletown Festival said this is clearly untrue, it attract many families up until the end of the event, and provided written and photographic evidence from its 2016 event to confirm this.

The festival is seeking further legal advice as to what its options are.

The four tribute acts - three being from the UK - have been cancelled for the evening and they will now provide entertainment during the afternoon, starting at 3pm in the square.

The Castletown Festival’s amended evening community programme will now be as follows:

6pm Festival Free Bingo Game - win £100.

6pm Judging of the fancy dress competition at Victoria Road School (please note no music will be permitted to be played by any entrants, either walking or vehicle entrant, as this is now deemed to be in contravention of the law).

6.45pm The Castletown Festival’s fancy dress parade will depart Victoria Road School - no leading processional Band.

7.15pm Presentation of fancy dress prizes in the Market Square.

8pm Magician entertains.

8.30pm The Castletown Festival’s Grand Confetti Carnival (no musical entertainment will be provided by the Festival).

9.30pm Festival’s firework display from Castle Rushen castle - viewed from The Market Square.

10pm Castletown Festival Day ends.