Adam GrettonA council-run arts festival is facing drastic cuts after a decision to stage dozens of community and cultural events at the height of the recession resulted in a loss.Adam Gretton

A council-run arts festival is facing drastic cuts after a decision to stage dozens of community and cultural events at the height of the recession resulted in a loss.

South Norfolk Council's inaugural Festival of the Arts saw more than 5,800 residents and holidaymakers attending 21 council-funded concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, and family activities last summer.

But the local authority is set to scale down its cultural programme this year as a result of savings, which have seen the Conservative controlled district council cut �2m out of its budget and shed 40 jobs.

A new report, which will be discussed by members on Thursday has revealed that the Festival of the Arts, which included big events such as the Midsummer Chillax at Whitlingham Country Park, cost the council �74,000, but only generated an income of �34,500.