Gig goers could be left out of pocket

11:00am Monday 29th September 2008

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THOUSANDS of music fans with tickets for a cancelled Herefordshire festival are out of pocket after organisers fell into ‘huge debt’ and stopped refunds.

Steve Smith spent around £80 so he and his partner could see American artist Wayne Hussey play the Rock n Roots Festival in August.

“No disrespect to the organiser, because I know he’s moved heaven and hell to make this happen, but it’s not great from a ticket holder’s perspective,” said Mr Smith.

The 46 year-old, who grew up in Herefordshire but lives in Brighton, said initially they promised to return the money but then things ‘went a bit quiet’.

Last week he found refunds had ceased because of legal action against Herefordshire Council, which refused to provide a licence days before the event was due to happen.

An emailed statement said steps were being taken to make passes valid for an alternative festival – from the same people – in Staffordshire next May, but Mr Smith said it was not the solution for him and might not be for others.

“I was going to see a very specific artist,” he said, “who may or may not be playing there, but I don’t even know what I’m doing in May next year.”

The statement thanked customers for understanding and said organisers thought the case to overturn the council’s decision was strong but that no funds were available until a conclusion was reached.

“We are now in huge debt and all the custom base and work forces connected to the event are in a similar situation,” it said.