It comes after Monday’s story about the change which led to public criticism on The Standard’s Facebook page.

Chairwoman Donna Gladman and the group’s four members were surprised by the response. “I expected some backlash but I didn’t expect this,” she said. 

“This is one aspect of the whole thing. It is the most minor part of the entire festival.

“There has been discussions about cancelling the Undy 500 for the past five years and we’ve kept trying to refresh it and keep it going.

“We’ve run out of steam. Every year we had to find people to enter. We’ve also had restrictions around road closures.” 

Committee member Shaun Noonan said it was good that people had an opinion about the festival as it showed the public’s passion for the annual event. 

He said the Undy 500 had become too competitive over the years.

“It’s become a serious event so we’re taking it back to being fun,” Mr Noonan said.

They said the milk run, where participants dress in farm-themed clothing and run with a cup of milk, was for all ages.

Ms Gladman said many people thought the festival was council run when it was organised by volunteers.

She said Wunta was “run by the community for the community” and without them it “would cease to exist.”

The festival begins on Friday with the Big Breakfast and milk run from 7am to 9am at the Civic Green. It continues throughout the weekend and features popular events including Jazz in the Gardens on Saturday and A Day at the Lake on Sunday.

The gold coin entry to fiesta events, which some patrons have baulked at or refused to pay in past years, helps cover the cost of insurance, toilets, road closures, security and hire equipment. 

“We do have great support from the city council and local businesses who jump on board to pay for everything we need. It’s very expensive to run a festival,” Ms Gladman said. 

“The majority of people are very supportive and we obviously appreciate that. They’re the people we do it for.”