"IT’S A community event... and what it needs is more people from the community involved.”

Natalie Huckin is disappointed.

The co-ordinator of the Leys Fair has been forced to cancel this year’s event.

It attracted thousands of people, but a lack of support means crucial funding deadlines were missed for this year’s event.

This story is becoming all too familiar.

Recently, the Barton Bash was scrapped for the same reasons.

Cowley Road Carnival was moved from the street to South Park.

These are all events which our city has enjoyed for years.

They have all battled the pressures of the economic climate, but – when it comes down to it – it’s people, they lack.

Nobody seems willing to give over their time to make them happen.

We are all guilty of bleating when events disappear from the calendar.

But, when it comes down to it, who is willing to give up their day?

The Government bangs on about Big Society, but sometimes there is little evidence of it.

We hope the Leys Fair and Barton Bash can be revived – but is the public will there?