Low attendance at the Great Yarmouth arts festival has been blamed on people preferring TV over going out.
The celebration took place from September 13 to 22 at venues across the borough and while the carnival parade on Saturday, September 21, was deemed a success, organisers were disappointed at "the poor turnout at many of the events".
Hugh Sturzaker, festival chair, said: “People seem to prefer to sit in front of their televisions rather than going out."
The festival saw events take place at the Minster, on the seafront and in St George's Park, among other locations, with concerts, talks and exhibitions.
He admitted that costs "may be a factor" in the low turnout - "but it is so important for one’s mental and physical health to get out and meet people".
"By going to meetings and concerts people meet up with friends or make new ones and this is very good for their mental health. It also gives them exercise," he said.
"Already many organisations are suffering with poor attendances and some have closed."
The Great Yarmouth Arts Festival Carnival took place on Saturday, September 21.
Mr Sturzaker said it was "a joyous and colourful occasion" thanks to a small group of enthusiasts led by Pat Howe and Julie Stimpson and supported by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The festival also provided a range of musical events culminating in the East Coast Sinfonietta who played George Butterworth’s The Banks of Green Willow, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony.
In addition, there were two tribute bands in St George’s Theatre and a guitar extravaganza with Captain Calamity performing his magic for young children.
Breakdancing was performed in front of the Britannia Pier after several classes had been held in the previous weeks.
If anyone is interested in helping out with next year’s Arts Festival please check its website: www.greatyarmouthartsfestival.co.uk
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