A planned music and community festival featuring the likes of Scouting Girls, Union J and former X Factor star Sam Callahan was cancelled just hours before it was due to start.
Colchester Borough Council pulled the plug on the ticketed event at Castle Park because of concerns over safety after organisers failed to convince them they had fulfilled all requirements. More than 8,000 people had bought tickets.
Tickets were on sale for £42, with VIP passes costing £85.
In a statement published today, I Am Music Festival organisers apologised for the inconvenience: "In spite of the various messages that you may have seen in the media, I AM MUSIC Community Group would like to inform you that the community event scheduled for Saturday 26th July 2014 at Castle Park Colchester has been postponed due to circumstances beyond our control.
"We sincerely apologise for what has happened and the inconveniences this has caused you.
"Once a new date has been confirmed we will provide full details.
"Any tickets previously purchased will be accepted under the same terms and conditions. For further information on ticket transfers and ticket refunds please read our terms and conditions via our website."
