A much-loved free sports festival in Chiswick has seen funding pulled from Hounslow council as it is ‘not a priority spending area’, but it will continue to support the event in Feltham.

Super Saturday of Sport, which was launched on Turnham Green in Chiswick in 2013, and was attended by 8,000 people last year , has for the past two years received financial support from the council to cover operational expenses of running the event.

The news the council has withdrawn funding for the 2016 event due to be held on July 16, came as a massive blow to founder and events director Kirsten Lonsdale who is now counting on the kindness and generosity of local businesses for support.

Mrs Lonsdale said Hounslow council stated Chiswick is not a priority spending area but it will still support the Feltham Super Saturday of Sport in June.

“I understand the council has budget constraints, however I am disappointed Chiswick will not be supported in financial terms this year,” she added.

“Chiswick has really embraced Super Saturday and I really believe there is a need for free family events and activities in all communities.

“I am prepared to take the financial risk of running the event in the hope that I can attract local sponsors to cover the operational expenses.

“I am so passionate about people finding the activity that makes them tick and given its an Olympic year, I would hope there are more events promoting activity not less.”

Olympic legacy event

So far estate agent Sworn & Co on Chiswick High Road have pledged their financial sponsorship for Super Saturday in Chiswick, but Mrs Lonsdale is urging more businesses to back the sporting event.

Super Saturday was launched to build on London’s Olympic legacy and inspire the next generation of athletes by providing families in the area a chance to try out various activities and re-discover their passion for sports.

In 2015, Chiswick drew in its biggest crowd and offered more than 40 different sports for free from freerunning with Sebastien Foucan to wheelchair rugby, tennis and American football.

Last year was the first time the sports festival was held in Feltham, which is also set to go ahead this year, and will still receive some council funding.

Super Saturday of Sport was a finalist in the 2015 national Pride of Sport awards for its contribution to the community.

Once again this year there will also be a small food and small business village created on the side of the sporting event to give small start-ups a direct promotional platform.

Hounslow council have been contacted for a comment.

To sponsor Super Saturday of Sport in Chiswick email Mrs Lonsdale at Kirsten@superinspired.co.uk or cal 07957417704.