One of the largest New Year attractions in the Mearns has been cancelled due to a lack of sponsorship.
An email was sent to early-bird ticket holders for Stonehaven’s Open Air in the Square.
It read: “Dear Valued Guest, We are extremely disappointed to have to cancel this year’s event and therefore have refunded your ticket money.”
It added the event was “unable to secure sponsorship due to the economic climate” but organisers “look forward to seeing you back in 2017”.
Deacon Blue had been due to headline, but committee member Lynn Callaghan confirmed that the event will not be going ahead due to the “economic climate” and “lack of sponsorship”.
“We can’t rely on ticket sales alone to cover the costs,” she said.
“We are very disappointed.”
She added they are open to trying to organise the show if sponsors come forward, but noted that it is unlikely by this point of the year.
The committee are hopeful the event will be back next year.
Councillor Ian Mollison said: “Many people will be very disappointed as the event has been very popular.
“However it takes a great deal of work behind the scenes and in the current economic climate it must be all the more difficult.
“I do hope that it will be back in future years.”