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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Erin Santillo

McFly and John Bishop fans among those disappointed after gig operator goes bust

Live music and comedy fans have been left disappointed after the closure of a gig operator caused a number of high-profile events to be cancelled.

M&B Promotions said it was "deeply sorry" to let down ticketholders, who should now seek refunds.

Some upcoming McFly and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell gigs and a comedy festival headlined by John Bishop are among those affected.

The Coventry-based firm blamed the pandemic for "extreme logistical and financial setbacks" that meant it felt continuing to trade was no longer viable.

Its ticket platform Simple Ticketing, which traded under the name Easy Ticketing, has also gone bust.

Fan Richard Foster from Gloucestershire posted on Twitter to say he was "gutted" at the news, having spent £200 on McFly tickets for his family.

Another user, Louise Jenkins, tweeted the McFly bandmates: "3 heartbroken girls tonight after being told the Gloucester Park gig has been cancelled. Please please say you'll do some other dates for those of us that have been let down."

M&B Promotions said fans who purchased tickets through Easy Ticketing should contact either PayPal or their bank for a refund. Those who bought tickets elsewhere should contact their point of purchase, it added.

Some fans have reported difficulties claiming money back on tickets bought more than 180 days ago.

In a statement on its website, M&B Promotions said: "It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that we must announce the cancellation of all of our scheduled events, and the end of operations for M&B Promotions Ltd and our ticket platform Simple Ticketing Ltd.

"We have successfully delivered hundreds of events all over the country since 2019. With our final programme of events taking place in December 2021.

"We were amongst many high-profile event organisers forced to reschedule many events due to the COVID 19 pandemic. With vast amounts of finance already tied up with artist deposits, suppliers, venues and marketing this has put a huge financial strain on the company.

"Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, this combined with the extreme logistical and financial setbacks caused by the pandemic mean it’s no longer viable for us to continue trading."

The promoter said it had contacted all customers, artists, venues and suppliers to notify them of the situation.

"To those who have been let down by this situation, we are deeply sorry", it added.

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