Sudden axe falls on tribute shows
The plug was pulled on a big weekend music festival in Ayr.
People who bought tickets for the tribute band extravaganza were left high and dry.
And festival organisers Bounded Productions disappeared from social media.
The two- day Soundwave event was to be held in Rozelle Park, owned by South Ayrshire Council.
The council tweeted on Friday: “Soundwave Festival - cancelled by the organiser. Customers left with invalid tickets should contact the seller to request refunds.
“If you are unable to do so please contact your card provider. For unresolved complaints please contact Trading Standards or Citizen’s Advice Service.”
Councillor Martin Dowey said the festival cancellation came as a huge shock to council staff involved in licensing arrangements.
He said: “The council bent over backwards to try and make sure it went ahead.
“There was even a special regulatory panel to iron out licensing and policing issues and all the consents were in place.
“It came as a huge shock to administrative staff on Friday when they heard it wasn’t going ahead.”
There is speculation that organisers simply did not sell enough tickets to pay the 12 tribute acts.
Saturday’s bill was to feature Paul Thorpe as Elvis and a Flash tribute to Queen. Also listed to appear that day were the Fu Fighters, Deacon Blues, Simple Minded and the Jam’d.
Sunday’s bill included tributes to the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, as well as Greendate, McFleetwood, Springsteen Sessions and the Hysteria tribute to Def Leppard.
The event was also to feature licensed bars, food trucks and a family entertainment area.
The Bounded Productions website says: “We’re under construction. Please check back for an update soon.”
Their Facebook page has been deleted.
A McFleetwood band member put up a Facebook post of a private message the band received from Bounded Productions.
The message reads: “Due to unforeseen circumstances outwith our control, the organisers have sadly had no choice other than to cancel Soundwave at Rozelle Park on 20/ 21 July, 2019.
“Ticket agencies have been advised for full refunds. Just get in touch if you need to at BPteam@ boundedproductions. com - Kindest Regards, BP Team”
Ian Hollins from Ayr posted: “The unforeseen circumstances were an event that was overpriced and was unrealistic in its sales potential.
“Hope nobody gets ripped off inc fans and bands and frankly the promoters message is disingenuous at best.”
Mr Hollins said the gig was advertised at £ 44 for a weekend ticket.
But others posted that prices were as low as £ 7.50 on Groupon.
However, refunds from Groupon may be problematic.
Liz Paterson- Grant from Ayr said: “I got tickets on Groupon. Bet that’s the last I see of that money.”
Bounded Productions Ltd has been registered at Companies House since January 31.
The registered office is 13 Troon Gardens, Cumbernauld, G68 0JW. The company secretary and sole director is Lynne Hunter.
The event was overpriced and unrealistic in its sales potential