A SPATE of vandalism has forced organisers to cancel a popular Fairford tradition.

The Fairford Flag Festival is launched every May to celebrate the Royal International Air Tattoo, the military air show based in the town.

The decision to cancel the event was taken following last year's event when five flags were ripped down and stolen just days after being raised.

Fairford Mayor Joe Cusack said that "regretfully" the town council was left with no choice than to scrap the festival.

"The theft of the flags and poles last year came at a huge cost to the taxpayer," he said. "It probably cost £500 to replace the equipment and we simply cannot face that expense again."

Last year, the town was decorated by 52 flags, representing the 52 nations which took part in the air show but thieves stole the Irish, French and Swiss banners in High Street, London Road and Milton Street.

Cllr Cusack added: "It is a great shame. The event brings character and brightness to the town but the mindless acts of the few has spoiled it for the many.

"If people do not respect the town where they live, there is only so much we can do."

He added that the town would consider whether to restage the event in 2012 later this year.

The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust usually supply the flags to the town council to display from May to August.

A RIAT spokesman said: "It is a great shame that because of the actions of a few, residents and visitors to Fairford will no longer be able to enjoy the colourful spectacle of the flag festival. It was a great initiative which we were happy to support.

"We very much hope that the festival might be resurrected some time in the future and that, should this be the case, the flags are left in situ for everyone to enjoy."

Lechlade’s flag festival, which represents the town's clubs, societies and businesses, is going ahead this summer as planned, as it has never experienced the same problems.