A village fete was cancelled following reports of someone receiving an electric shock from an overhead power line.

The St George’s Day Village Fete was scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 26, at Markstakes Corner in South Chailey (12pm-4pm).

The Chailey Bonfire Society organised the event to raise funds for the village’s fireworks and Christmas party.

At 11 a.m., one of the organisers announced on Facebook that the event had been cancelled. I’m sorry to inform everyone, but due to a serious incident, we must evacuate our fete and postpone our event. We’re so sorry and sad.”

Burgess Hill Bonfire Society announced on Saturday at 11.32am that Chailey Bonfire’s St George’s Day fair had to be cancelled due to an incident. As a result, the usual tombola will not be held. We wish Chailey Bonfire Society every success following this very disappointing decision.”

Chailey Bonfire Society confirmed at 7 p.m.: “We are heartbroken to have had to cancel our St George’s Day village fete today before it even opened to the public. We would like to thank all of our stallholders, helpers, and potential visitors for their understanding of the situation.

The society stated that while setting up an attraction, someone’s equipment came into contact with an overhead power line.

They stated: “The individual in question received an electric shock, prompting the dispatch of an ambulance. The UK power networks instructed us to close the pitch for safety reasons, so we had to cancel our event.

“Once again Chailey Bonfire would like to thank everyone for the effort put into preparing for the day, and we appreciate your understanding of the events that were outside of our control.”

The ambulance service has been contacted for more information.