October 5, 2001 15:19

WE'VE KILLED THEM STONE BY STONE...

Catatonia's non-appearance blamed for this year's losses...

THE GUILDFORD LIVE FESTIVAL has gone bankrupt after ten years
in business.

Last year's event saw the promoters attempt to go upmarket, with appearances
from Pulp[/url]
and James[/url],
but the three-day festival lost #pound;120,000. Director Tony Scott
blamed the huge loss on Catatonia[/url]
pulling out two days before their scheduled appearance.

According to a report on BBC News
Online[/url], Mr Scott claimed that Catatonia[/url]'s
management assured him the band would play, despite announcements to the
contrary. "Two weeks before the festival I got a phone call saying the band would
be playing, but then with just two days to go the management said they had pulled
out. At that stage it was far too late to start trying to book a replacement
headliner."

The cancellation had an adverse effect on day ticket sales, which were also
hampered by rain over the weekend. Despite the losses, Mr Scott
said that he would be looking to put on a festival next year.