AN anonymous killjoy has forced the cancellation of a charity music festival that would have raised thousands of pounds, needed to deal with death watch beetle, wet rot, dry rot, and drainage problems at an historic church.

Boogie in Byfield, planned for this weekend, was called off just days before the event after a single complaint to Daventry District Council's environmental department about possible noise levels.

The cancellation follows the shutdown of a charity event in the village two weeks ago when police moved in to halt a rock concert being held at the Cross Tree public house to raise money for the Solden Hill care home for the elderly.

The police acted after a complaint about noise from a local resident.

Organisers of the 'boogie' evening said they could not risk a simliar fate because of the financial implications.

The cancellation has already cost £500 in booking fees for the two bands, hire of marquees, printing, and other items - but the liability could have risen to £5,000 had the event been closed down part way through.

Boogie in Byfield was to be staged this Saturday in the gardens of Greenlands, the home of Nick and Gayl Coleridge, in Boddington Road.

Mrs Coleridge said: "It is very sad. We were hoping to raise up to £5,000 for the church, which is a grade 1 listed building in need of urgent repair. As we do not know who complained, we could not re-assure them about possible noise. But it was going to be one night, until 11.30pm, for the church - which doesn't seem too unreasonable."

Tim Williams, a member of the organising committee, said: "We were unable to obtain a maximum decibel level to work to, as the measure appears to be on the basis of reasonableness' and as such is purely subjective.

"We wish we had been approached openly by those who had concerns so we could allay their fears, but sadly this has not been possible because the complainants have remained anonymous.

"What is really sad is that this is now the second fundraising event in the village this month that has been effectively hijacked by the selfishness of a few individuals.

"We are not blaming the council. They have been extremely helpful, but had to act after they received the complaint."

A statement from Fiona Rye, at Daventry District Council, confirmed a complaint had been received, but said the council regretted the cancellation of the event.