The final two events of a popular open air cinema that takes place every summer have been cancelled after the Valletta council did not provide permits, organisers said.

Triq Cinemoon Festival organisers took to Facebook to lament the ban, noting that the stepped section of St John’s Street where the film nights are usually held was a staple for the event.

The festival, which has been taking place for six summers in a row, was not granted a permit after neighbours’ complaints, organisers said. Last week, the event was reported for blocking the street, they added.

"Apparently a group of adult people watching a film under the moon is a potential danger for Valletta citizens, and of course our activity is more disturbing for capital city’s harmony that all the arguable music, fireworks, construction or traffic noise that we are suffering every day," the irate organisers insisted.

Many on social media expressed their disappointment at the event being cancelled, with commenters arguing that it would be a pity for the “beloved” event to end.

"So much for the European Capital of Culture," one commenter sighed.

Organisers are now looking for another venue to host the last two cinema nights that had been scheduled.