MUSIC fans expecting to see a star-studded line-up of bands this weekend will instead be queuing up for refunds after the cancellation of the region’s newest festival.

Thousands of ticket-holders for Ignition, which was due to take place at Newcastle Racecourse, received confirmation last night that the event would no longer be taking place.

The news came to light after management at the racecourse revealed festival organisers failed to submit an event safety plan, details of security, first aid provision and failed to pay essential suppliers – meaning the event couldn’t go ahead.

Organisers spent yesterday in emergency meetings with Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police in an attempt to find an alternative venue for the festival, which was due to host acts including Calvin Harris, Echo and the Bunnymen and Feeder.

But they were forced to admit defeat last night, realising safety measures couldn’t be put in place in the short time that was left.

An Ignition Festival Ltd spokesperson said: “Having lived in the North East for many years, we took immense pride in attempting to bring a music festival to this part of the country. However circumstances both of our own doing, and those out of our control, have meant that this will no longer be possible for the moment.

“We would like to apologise for all of the inconvenience and upset caused to everyone involved with the event, in particular the passionate North East music fans who have been fantastic since day one.

“All tickets purchased will be reimbursed to their full face value. Be assured no salaries or expenses have been drawn by directors or shareholders at any time, and although this is of no compensation, all involved will be taking a large financial loss, not to mention the personal implications of such a situation.”

Stephen Savage, director of regulatory services and public protection at Newcastle City Council, said: “There was just no time to ensure everybody’s safety or to make sure residents and business were fully informed.

“However, we think the event organisers behaved very professionally throughout. They haven’t gone away to hide and they’re facing the music.”

The festival had already been forced to move from its original venue at Kingston Park in May after a row broke out with residents over the noise. Newcastle Racecourse stepped in and offered free use of the venue, saying they wanted to help develop the event in its first year, with a view to holding it as a permanent North East music festival.

Simon Lane, executive director of Newcastle Racecourse, said last night: “It is bitterly disappointing for all concerned that the Ignition Festival has been cancelled at such short notice by its organisers Ignition Festival Ltd.

“It is galling to have our hard work, good faith and the expectations of thousands of music fans dispensed with in this manner, without so much as an apology.”

Ryan Munro, 36, of North Shields, who is one of more than 5,000 disgruntled ticket-holders, said: “I’ve been doing some research and found out the guys who organised Ignition also organise secret parties where you only find out on the day where it’s taking place, which is quite ironic really. I know a lot of bands involved in it and they were told they could play if they sold tickets.”

Bruce Tate, bassist in Newcastle band Viva City who were due to play on Sunday said he’d had confidence in the organisers. “It’s a major let down for us – this was going to be our last show before our USA tour. We put a huge amount of time into the festival – we sold loads of tickets – we even hired a Winnebago for the weekend,” said Bruce.

“There was no performance fee arranged with the organisers. However, they assured us if we sold enough tickets, we’d be rewarded. I feel let down.

“Our band have sold £1,000 worth of tickets, and now we have to get the money back to the people – our time and effort wasted.”

Refund requests can be sent to info@i-fest.co.uk.