ONE of Hampshire's biggest annual remembrance events for the war dead is under threat because no sponsors have come forward.

Every year since 1946 a Band Concert and Festival of Remembrance has taken place at Southampton Guildhall on the first Monday after Remembrance Sunday.

But this year, the 60th anniversary year of the Allied D-Day landings, might be the end of it.

Derek Curry, the secretary of the Solent Group Festival of Remembrance, has written letters to 45 businesses to cover the £800 costs, by sponsoring the event.

However only five have bothered to reply - including HSBC - saying that they cannot support it.

Now the festival's organisers are making a list-ditch appeal for help to cover the costs of printing programmes, posters and tickets.

If no businesses come forward, the event will not go ahead.

Tom McEniry, 74, treasurer of the Woolston branch of The Royal British Legion said: "The remembrance festival cannot go on without any sponsorship.

"It would be very, very sad to think that the event which has gone on for so many years is no more. There are many veterans and members of the public who attend every year and look forward to it."

Tom, of Effingham Gardens, Sholing, started helping to organise the event six years ago. He has always had to apply for sponsorship to help with the costs.

For the last two years Posh Windows and Esso at Fawley have pumped £3,000 into the event but Mr McEniry says he believes it is now the turn of other businesses to fund the occasion.

The RAF veteran said the British Legion can no longer cover the costs as most of its funds go on day-to-day support for veterans. Last year the Legion collected £21m nationally but was forced to spend £40m on helping ex-servicemen and their dependents.

"When people think of veterans they think of a 93-year-old polishing his medals and drinking a pint," said Mr McEniry.

"None of us is like that. We are still today looking after ex-servicemen. I am healthy at the moment but when I look around there are many who are not and they need our help."

If a sponsor is found the Festival of Remembrance will take place on November 15 and begin with a performance by the Southampton-based Ocean Brass band and a choir.

Poppy petals will fall from the roof on to Standard bearers from different British Legion branches, the Normandy Veterans' Association and other units. Sponsors are also needed for next year's event too which will take place in the 60th anniversary year of VE day on May 8, 1945 and VJ Day on August 15, 1945.

Can you help? Call the Woolston branch of The Royal British Legion on 023 8044 7415.