MUSIC fans who bought tickets for a festival in Colchester’s Castle Park are STILL waiting for ticket refunds, five months on.

I Am Music was due to take place on July 26 last year, featuring acts Scouting for Girls and Conor Maynard.

It was cancelled 36 hours before the event after Colchester Council withdrew the licence over health and safety concerns.

Organisers have requested a meeting with the council to discuss the situation.

Tim Young, councillor responsible for community safety, said he did not know exactly what the organisers wanted to discuss.

He said he is surprised the organisers are blaming the council when they want a meeting to find a solution.

However, he said the council is prepared to meet them.

He said: “The council is very certain it made the right decision.”

People who bought tickets, which started at £32, are still waiting for their money back, despite conditions saying refunds would be given within three months in the event of cancellation.

The latest statement issued by the community group says it is still pursuing insurance claims.

It reads: “The process is moving slowly and further evidence has been recently provided to the insurance company for their underwriters to examine in relation to the claim.

“In addition, the directors have been in contact with suppliers who were contracted to provide services for the festival and to whom payments were made in advance included artists, security teams, transport providers, hoteliers and the police.

“As the licence to use Castle Park was withdrawn by the council at such late notice, the process of refunds from suppliers is complex and cumbersome.

“Therefore, the directors continue to take legal advice on the contracts with these suppliers to try to recover funds wherever possible so that ticket holders can be reimbursed.

“The directors are committed to pursuing all possible avenues and continue to seek a resolution for ticket holders.”

Organisers were hoping to sell 8,500 tickets, but it is understood only about 3,000 were sold.

People who bought tickets through third parties have received refunds, but those who bought tickets direct are still waiting.

Mark Mainwood, 43, from Braiswick, who bought two tickets, does not have much sympathy with the organisers.

He said: “They just didn’t organise it very well.

“They had enough warning from police, but carried on taking money.

“Lots of people have lost money because of their incompetence.

“My sympathy is with the council.

If it was safety issues, it was absolutely the right action to cancel.”