Supporters of a music festival that was cancelled at the last minute are scrambling to get their money back. At least £150,000 of taxpayers’ cash was invested into Midnight Sun Weekender in Stornoway, which had lined up acts such as John Fogerty, The Pretenders and Primal Scream.
And thousands of ticket-holders – some from as far away as Australia – are awaiting refunds for the event, which was due to go ahead next weekend. But officials behind the festival said they were left with no option but to axe the event due to cash-flow issues and poor ticket sales.
Western Isles Council - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - ploughed a £150,000 grant into the event three months ago but claim they’ve been given reassurances over the return of the money.
A spokesman said: “On the news breaking that the festival was to be cancelled, the Comhairle met with the promoters to seek reassurance that full refunds would be provided for those who had bought tickets and the Comhairle’s loan investment was safe.
"Reassurance was provided regarding these two issues and repayment of the loan will commence in due course.”
A source said that only “3000 to 5000” tickets had been sold “but we just couldn’t get it over the line and a lot of big bills all came in at the same time. It was a matter of cash flow”.
It is believed most of the bands have been paid. More than half of the ticket sales came from locals on the Western Isles.
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