Organisers of a popular Richmond festival have taken the difficult decision to axe it after this year’s run ends.

November’s Petersham Festival, which has been going for four years and brought many world class musicians to the area, will be the last.

Kate Kingan, 44, who set up the festival with organist husband Jonathan, 46, said although the decision had been a difficult one, hard times and the recession had made it unfeasible to continue.

She said: “The area and the venues and everything are just so special and wonderful.

“[But it is] hard times for people at the moment so it’s not possible or right to carry on - everybody is just having a really hard time at the moment.”

Mrs Kingan, of Kingston, added that the end of the festival did not mean the end of classical music or performances in Petersham.

She said: “I do think we will do similar events in the area.

“People loved what they saw [at the festival over the years] and were coming out just glowing - it was so beneficial - we will carry on but just in a slightly different format and different way.”

The festival, which classical music magazine Gramophone named as one of the best festivals this year, was set up by the Kingans to help musicians and performers have a platform from which to perform locally.

Featuring both nationally-acclaimed musicians such as international concert organists Christopher Herrick and Simon Preston, as well as local talent, the summer showcase had become a staple in Richmond residents’ calendars.

Maurice Parry-Wingfield, of Twickenham, described the festival as a beacon of excellence which he will remember for its musical performances, presentations and even wine tasting over the years.

He added: “They [Mr and Mrs Kingan] must be disheartened at having to give it up but they should feel proud at having given so much pleasure.”