The villager who has co-ordinated the event for the last 15 years has handed in his resignation. David Nixon feels it is now time for younger residents to take over the reins and bring fresh ideas to the feast.

He said: “I’ve done it for 15 years, I think it’s probably an appropriate time to retire and let someone bring some new ideas.”

Barmby Moor Feast has been held in the village every July for hundreds of years and is one of the biggest village summer fairs in the area. It regularly attracts hundreds of people and feast events include football matches, the Feast Queen, tug-o-war, fancy dress, dog show, children’s entertainment, and decorated wheelie bins.

Mr Nixon said it was a big tradition in the village and had been a local attraction for a long time and knew it used to be held in the old market place, compared to the playing fields, its current site.

He said: “It’s a fundraising opportunity for the playing fields, to cover the cost of running them but its also very enjoyable for the village itself, it gets people together and they, hopefully, enjoy the day.”

An open meeting has been organised to discuss the future of the feast and all village residents are invited. It takes place on Thursday 27 at 7.30pm in the village hall.

He urged people to attend the meeting. He said: “I’m hoping a lot of people will go along, but that depends on the villagers. If the village wants the feast, they’ve got to try and find somebody to take on the job.

“The committee play a vital part but needs somebody, to pull it all together. Hopefully someone will come forward, if not the feast may die.”

Mr Nixon, who has been on the playing fields committee for more than 15 years, will still be secretary and treasurer on the committee.

l Graham Todd, who has been involved with setting up feast equipment for 51 years, has also decided to step down. He will also still serve on the Playing Fields Association Committee.