TROUBLE shooters have been called in to sort out a company behind a summer festival flop.
Ignition Festival, planned for Newcastle’s Racecourse, was axed at the 11th hour leaving ticketholders out of pocket.

Although some have been refunded, some who paid cash for their tickets are still waiting for their money back.

But their hopes of a refund are fading as Ignition Festival Limited, the Jesmond-based company behind the venture, has now called in the liquidators.

A meeting of creditors was held on North Tyneside last week to set in motion the process of closing down the company and distributing assets.

Music fan Adam Young, from North Shields, still hasn’t had his £150 refunded, despite promises from festival organisers.

“I have pretty much written the money off now,” the 28-year-old said. “All the avenues which were open to me I have pursued. I don’t think this will make any difference – my money is probably small in the grand scheme of what they owe.
“I have learned a lesson though – don’t pay cash for anything. People who paid by card have had their money back through the banks.”

The two-day festival was set to feature big-name acts such as Echo and the Bunnymen, Calvin Harris and Feeder, but was halted just days before it was due to start on August 6 this year.

The plug was pulled on the event after bosses at Newcastle Racecourse said Ignition organisers had failed to submit a safety plan, details of security, first aid provision and necessary planning documentation.

Organisers Simon Curtis, Ashley Spence and Daniel Clark went into emergency meetings with Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police in an attempt to find an alternative venue for the festival. But were forced to admit defeat, realising safety measures couldn’t be put in place in the time left.

Mr Curtis said at the time: “Everyone involved in Ignition has incurred huge personal loss and is deeply saddened that the festival didn’t go ahead.”

But after the cancellation, the three came under fire from furious music fans, who drew comparisons between Ignition’s failure to that of another event in May this year, which Simon played a part in organising. Survivor was a one-off music night to be held at the Federation Brewery in Gateshead but the plug was pulled hours before it was due to go ahead and the event had to move venue.

Festival bosses say refunds have been given to all ticketholders who purchased through Ticketline, HMV and Fatsoma online and the majority of the money has been paid back to local bands who sold paper tickets on Ignition’s behalf. People can continue to email [email protected] with their refund queries.

Sourced from: www.Chronicleliove.co.uk by Joanne Butcher