An event bringing thousands of women in Oxford together is under threat after its funding was slashed for the first time in its 19-year history.

Oxford International Women's Festival attracted up to 8,000 people to dozens of different events over two weeks in March.

But after Oxford City Council decided not to award it money in this year's round of funding applications, the voluntary committee that puts on the festival fears it might not be able to hold an event in 2009.

Treasurer Dr Katherine Bradley said: "Although it was only a very small amount of money, it always helped us to raise other money and we knew we could count on it, so it made a lot of difference.

"It seems to us rather short-sighted not to give us funding because we as a group are very diverse and we have events in places like Barton estate and with travellers - it is truly international and multicultural."

The event costs £4,000 to £5,000 to put on each year. This year's festival received £1,875 in funding.

More than 30 different groups and organisations were involved with events around the theme of journeys, featuring a mad hatter's tea party, a French fashion show, music, poetry and a whole host of other activities.

Dr Bradley said: "It brings in a lot of people from outside Oxford as well, so in terms of tourism and shops, they will be hit as a result if we don't find funding from anywhere else.

"We are a voluntary group and it is a small committee that puts on a very large festival, which is unique in that it runs much longer than other women's festivals and I would have thought it would be something that the city might be proud of.

"It does really put the future of the event at risk.

"We do charge all the organ- isations a small amount to put themselves in the programme and we have had Awards for All funding in the past, which we will apply for again, but we have always used the funds as a lever to get more money."

A city council spokesman said: "Our grants are always over-subscribed and it not possible for us to always give everyone the amount that they request.

"Each application is carefully considered every year on its merits and the level of funding we have available.

"We have to ensure the city council receives best value for money and the project meets our objectives."

Anyone who can help should call Dr Bradley on 01865 724371 or email khb6@tutor.open.ac.uk