A celebration organised for this weekend to replace the annual Festival of World Cultures in Co Dublin has been cancelled suddenly by the organisers.

The People’s Festival, due to take place in Dun Laoghaire today and tomorrow, was called off at short notice yesterday.

In a message of the social networking site Facebook, the organisers said it was with the “deepest regret” they had taken the “11th hour” step.

They said they took “full responsibility” for what they described as “the oversights involved in the festival’s planning which have led us to withdraw from the implementation of this festival”.

“As we speak arrangements are being made for what can only be billed as an alternative and consolatory event in Dublin City instead, which it must be stated will not serve as a festival but rather a gathering of those involved up to this point and those who support and understand the spirit intended by the original concept.”

They said there would be no events relating to the People’s Festival happening in Dun Laoghaire today or tomorrow in any of the venues previously notified, including the 40 Foot Bar & Grill, The Harbor Bar, Scotts Cafe Bar or any other venue.

The website for the event also appeared to have been taken down.

This year marked the first year that the Festival of World Cultures celebration of ethnic diversity won’t be held in Dún Laoghaire since its inception in 2001.

The People’s Festival was organised to fill the gap left behind.

Although much smaller in scale, the new festival was to incorporate music, dance, poetry, film, comedy, fire performance and other events.

The second annual Dún Laoghaire ukulele festival – Ukulele Hooley By The Sea - is going ahead as planned this weekend.