THE organisers of a popular music festival have infuriated its headline acts and numerous others by failing to pay them, five months after the event.

Andrew Bailey, the manager of North-East band Martin Stephenson and The Dainties, who headlined BAMfest in Bedale in May, said some who contributed to the success of the three-day celebration of acoustic music had been left thousands of pounds out of pocket.

He said other headliners, including Blackbeard's Tea Party and Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra, had been shocked not to receive their wages as crowds of people from across the country had paid £30 each to attend the third running of the North Yorkshire festival.

He said despite repeated payment promises by organisers, the firm behind the staging was still owed £2,000 while other contributors had not been paid.

BAMfest featured more than 60 acts and a campsite at Big Sheep Little Cow Farm.

Mr Bailey said: "Outwardly this was a really good music festival, but the band would laugh at me if I suggested we play there again."

Other contributors said they had been angered by a range of excuses by organisers, but after threatening legal action had received part payments.

After BAMfest, which was sponsored by Theakstons brewery, the organisers said the event had been "simply magical" and had benefited from glorious weather on the Saturday.

In response to the contributors claims, the organising committee issued a statement highlighting how it had used previous years performance figures when planning the event, which had been supported by an army of volunteers.

It said: "Unfortunately, inclement weather reduced our walk-in ticket sales and ancillary spend and resulted in a shortfall of income.

"We are a not-for-profit organisation and rely on ticket sales, contributions and sponsorship to stage the festival.

"We are working on a plan of action to ensure all our outstanding bills are paid as soon as possible.

"With continued support from the local community, we are committed to working out a solution and bring more live music in the future.

"If anyone would like to help support us in what we are trying to achieve then please get in touch at info@bamfest.co.uk"

Bedale councillor John Noone said the event had been "brilliant for the town, attracting a fair few people", but the failure to pay contributors damaged Bedale's growing reputation as a music venue.

He said: "This will be a massive disappointment for everybody and a great shame if this funding issue was its death knell."