A major event in Aberaeron’s calendar has been cancelled – after becoming a victim of its own success.

The popular Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival has been held every July for the last 22 years at the town’s harbour.

But organisers say they will not be holding the event next year because it has become too popular, leading to issues of “crowding, congestion and parking”, with the town council saying traffic issues caused “total chaos” for some residents.

Festival organisers said in a statement the event would be taking a ‘sabbatical’ because of its ‘ever-increasing popularity’.

“We very much regret that we will not be holding a Seafood Festival in 2020,” the volunteer organisers said.

“The challenges of staging the event are numerous and have increased considerably in recent years with health and safety a priority.

“Its unique harbourside location and the insatiable appetite for what it offers has attracted increased visitors each year with ensuing issues of crowding, congestion and parking. So for it to continue it will have to adapt.

“We thank all those involved for their support – and we’ll keep in touch as to what the future may hold.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now