The lack of a major sponsor means the hugely popular Auckland Starlight Symphony is unlikely to go ahead next year.
The concert's future has been in limbo since July when its main sponsor, SkyCity, pulled out in order to give more money to community-based programmes and charities.
The SkyCity entertainment group and the SkyCity Community Trust together gave about $500,000 to the event annually.
The symphony's executive producer, Alan Smythe, says he is ever hopeful that a last-minute backer will come forward for the concert, which attracts about 100,000 people each year.
However, he believes Auckland may have lost one of its great events.
Mr Smythe says he has not approached Auckland City Council as he does not expect the event to be funded by ratepayers.