 Thousands of people attended last year's event |
Urgent meetings are going on in Liverpool in a last-minute attempt to try to save the Mathew Street Festival. The annual music event was cancelled over health and safety fears just three weeks before it was meant to kick off the city's 800th birthday party.
Council leader Warren Bradley returned from his holiday at the weekend for a series of crisis talks.
He has been meeting senior police officers and those behind the City of Culture to look at alternative plans.
A statement is expected to be released later.
Alcohol ban
Mr Bradley said on Friday that a street alcohol ban could overcome some safety concerns allowing the festival to go ahead.
The news that the event, which attracts about 100,000 people each year over the August Bank Holiday weekend, was cancelled was announced on Thursday.
Liverpool City Council said the loss of space at the Pier Head and the amount of ongoing construction work meant there was a "significant" risk to the public.
Despite detailed planning for the event, a health and safety review launched just two weeks ago found the lack of space, combined with large crowds in an unlicensed environment, would pose too much of a risk.
Mr Bradley has said health and safety remains "paramount" while ensuring the entire city and its visitors could enjoy a full bank holiday celebration with the Mathew Street Festival at its heart.
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