Sound music festival cancelled

Ally McGilvray • Published 30 Jun 2010 11:40 0 Comments

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This Girls Aloud tribute act were among the headliners at Sound last year.

IT was billed as the hottest party of the summer. But Sound music festival, which was due to be staged at Netherdale in Galashiels on Saturday, has been cancelled.

Organisers made the dramatic announcement at the start of the Braw Lads' Gathering this week. They blamed a lack of ticket sales for their decision.

It is understood only around 200 briefs, priced at £20, had been sold for the event which was to be headlined by Killers tribute act Hot Fuss and was to coincide with the town's Gala Day celebrations.

However, it is thought at least 1000 ticket sales were needed for the family fun day to break even.

A statement issued to the Border Telegraph read: "Sound festival is cancelled due to a lack of support." But it added: "Full refunds will be offered to every one who has purchased a ticket from their ticket vendors."

It is a massive blow to the town at the start of its summer festivities. Simple Minds, Michael Jackson and the Sugababes tribute acts were also due to perform at the party on the pitch during the family fun day at the home of Gala Fairydean Football Club.

It follows the success of the inaugural event last year. But organisers of the Braw Lads' Gathering insist the show will go on.

Commenting on the announcement on the festival's page on social-networking website Facebook, Pauline Charles said: "Well am so angry I will never support these things again. It should have been tickets only from start on sale months ago so people could purchase them. Plenty people were coming to pay on the day."

Lorelei Purves agreed. She said: "What a let down for the people who were going!"

However, Ali Johnston said: "It will always be a problem when trying to stage anything in the Borders. Folks are reliant on others to get them tickets or wait until the day to judge the weather. A good day and you get a good turn out. Poor weather and hardly anyone turns up.

"It's good that folks organise these events and rubbish that folk say what great idea but never really get behind it by not buying tickets. Hopefully the organisers will have another go at bringing entertainment to Gala and folks will get behind him."

Paul Brownlee also offered the organisers his support. He said: "Fair play, you tried to put on something for the whole of the Borders and yet again the apathy of people has led to it being cancelled.

"People in this area moan about there 'never being anything happening' and when something is set up, there's no support. Until people wake up and get behind events such as this then there will be nothing, and we'll never attract any big names to the Borders. From small acorns and all that!"

Lorraine Robson added: "What can I say? I'm gutted because I did get my ticket and I'm really annoyed at the relaxed attitude of folk because they have ruined my day. Tickets are there for a reason. It clearly shows that most folk have never organised anything or they would know that even if you hold a party you want numbers!!!!"

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