A free summer festival which once saw 2,500 people through its doors has been scaled down for the second year running due to security concerns.

Abbeyfest has hosted open air concerts, theatre and comedy shows in Merton Abbey Mills in Colliers Wood since 1998.

But last year it shed its popular jazz and blues concerts after organisers said a bout of anti-social behaviour meant they couldn't afford the security needed to police it.

Festival founder Peter Wallder, 52, said: "It's a few things.

"The most important issue is a minority of people carrying out anti-social behaviour - people dealing or drunk.

"The vast majority was there to have a great time and this element was creeping in, so it was becoming more and more difficult for people to keep it safe."

After big sponsors like Marks and Spencers pulled out, he said it wasn't possible to fork out about £20,000 needed to hire private security.

The festival was in some ways "the victim of its own success" because it became so popular it was too expensive to manage, he said.

Originally founded to support The Colourhouse Theatre, where Mr Wallder is artistic director, the festival soon became Merton Abbey Mills' biggest crowd-drawer.

Mr Wallder said: "I do like to think that one day it will come back but it would need a lot of sponsorship."

Not all is lost. On July 18, The South London Concert Band will make its Merton Abbey Mills debut with an evening of songs from popular musicals including West Side Story, Possession of the Nobel's and Disney's Frozen.

The popular Kidsfest is also back this year for the August Bank Holiday with bouncy castles, pottery, live music, go-karts, dance and arts & crafts to keep kids entertained.

All profits from the events will go towards The Colour House Theatre's Children Theatre Charity.

To find out more about what's on at Merton Abbey Mills, visit mertonabbeymills.org.uk, or colourhousetheatre.co.uk.

Do you miss Abbeyfest? Comment below, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk.