Bankrupt owner puts thousands of music fans refunds at risk

Music fans have been left out of pocket following the last-minute postponement of a festival in Glasgow organised by a man who has been declared bankrupt.

In the City festival was due to be held on Glasgow Green on 23 and 24 August, featuring acts including Unkle, Huey Morgan and Grandmaster Flash.

Ticketholders were told the event was being postponed just days before, and refunds would only be made available once a new date was announced.

In an email to would-be festival goers, the organisers said the cancellation was due to a lack of ticket sales. Promoter Brian Traynor has been contacted for comment.

Norry Wilson, from Glasgow, paid out more than £180 for three tickets to the event after being sold on the idea of attending a festival close to home.

The 59-year-old told BBC Scotland News: “I wanted to see Don Letts, I haven’t seen him DJ-ing for years. The mix of old school hip hop and funk was what appealed to me about the bill.

“They only let us know last Tuesday. It would be worse for people from out of town who’ve paid for travel and accommodation.”

The promoters have contacted customers to say they can retain their tickets to use at the re-scheduled event, or wait until the new event is announced, then get a refund.

BBC Scotland News understands that the festival’s promoter, Brian Traynor, is subject to a sequestration order over unpaid debts, meaning that the event is unlikely to take place at all.

Sequestration is when bankruptcy is enforced by a creditor.

Records at the Scottish government’s Accountants in Bankruptcy show that the order was requested in April this year, then enforced on 10 July, well ahead of the planned festival.

In the City promoters began giving away free tickets for the festival to community groups in late July and early August.

Mr Traynor also promoted an event called Playground at Rouken Glen park in 2021. It was beset with problems, including cancellations by artists and allegations of staff not being paid.

Glasgow DJ duo Optimo refused to begin their set until funds reached their bank accounts. They also reported witnessing bullying behaviour towards other artists.

Consumer rights expert Martyn James said that ticket holders can claim a refund immediately.

He told BBC Scotland News: “If a gig or event is cancelled, you don’t need to wait for the rescheduled event – you can ask for your cash back straight away if you want.

“If you are worried about not getting your money back, or you’re concerned about the organiser going under, you can ask your bank or card provider to ‘charge back’ the money.

“Explain your concerns and they’ll explain what will happen next.”

The Broadcasting Entertainment Communications and Theatre Union (Bectu) trade union has called for a change in the law following the cancellation to make it harder for promoters with a poor track record to get licences for events.

Scottish organiser Paul McManus said: “The current application system for entertainment licences in Scotland is not fit for purpose to help tackle this endemic issue.

“Bectu has engaged with local authorities on the matter, who are unable to refuse licences based on previous complaints or known issues with the applicant.

“The Scottish government must therefore amend the legislation to introduce more robust criteria for securing a licence.”