THE future of an annual Royal British Legion remembrance event in Swindon hangs in the balance after its latest edition fell flat on Sunday.

A Festival of Remembrance was held at the Wyvern Theatre a week ahead of Remembrance Sunday, with proceeds from the event going towards the RBL’s Poppy Appeal.

Approximately 300 people turned out, with tickets at £12 a head. Organisers say the event raised around £3,500 in total, but after costs, the figure donated to the appeal is likely to be nearer £400.

The Wyvern’s main auditorium is capable of accommodating 635 people, and Royston Smith, 77, of Charles Macpherson Gardens, secretary of the Swindon branch, has said the event needs a facelift if it is to carry on into the future.

“It was very disappointing. That place holds 600 people and it was so disappointing it made you think ‘was it worth it?’ “If we had got another 200 in there it would have looked better and had a better atmosphere.

“The public should support it. I don’t know what needs to change. You will have to ask those who didn’t turn up.

“We tried to put on a show and they didn’t turn up.

“I won’t be doing any more of it now, I’m getting too old. Younger people have got to come in with more ideas.”

This Sunday, the Remembrance Parade will begin in Granville Street car park at 10.30am with the march itself commencing at 10.35am.

The main service will then take place at the cenotaph in Regent Circus at 11am, when a two-minute silence will be observed.