ANGRY music fans have been left high and dry by the sudden cancellation of a much-anticipated festival.

The Great Northern Mod and Ska Festival was due to have been held at Thorp Perrow, near Bedale, from August 26 to 28.

But furious music lovers who were planning to attend have now been told the event has been called off – and that they are unlikely to get their money back.

The event’s website simply states: “It is with regret that the organisers of the Great Northern Festivals Mod and Ska Festival wish to inform you that the event, due to be held on 26th - 28th Aug has been cancelled.”

The message goes on to say that: “Information concerning refunds will follow in due course.”

However, a message sent by the directors to ticketholders goes further and makes it clear that refunds are unlikely.

The email reads: “The company responsible for the Festival, Great Northern Festivals Ltd, is insolvent, and has ceased trading.

“The company has no money available and is unable to honour its commitments. The money received from ticket holders has been used to pay expenses in setting up the Festival, and none of that money can be recovered.

“There is no money available to pay either refunds on ticket purchases or the company’s debts generally.”

The message goes on to say: “We can only apologise for having come to this position. We had expected ticket sales to be much greater than they were.

“We really are very sorry - this was not what we intended - if we had the money we would pay all ticket refunds and our other debts.”

Irate music fan Mike Van-Parys shelled out £355 for three adult tickets, a child’s ticket and a camper van pitch – money he now expects to lose.

“I think it is scandalous but I feel a bit helpless,” said Mike, a ska fan from just outside Blackpool.

“When you buy tickets on the internet you do so in good faith and everything seemed to be above board – and we were really looking forward to it.”

Last year’s event, the first, was hailed as a major success and featured names like Craig Charles, Bad Manners, The Lambrettas, The Selecter, 9 Below Zero and The Chords. The event was even named by one national newspaper as one of the top 100 festivals in the country.

This year featured names were to have included UK Subs, Dreadzone and original rude boy Neville Staple and his band.