Western Mail – 3 August 2007
THE “off and on” Fflam pop music festival was finally off last night.
Around 20,000 music fans were due to head to Swansea’s Singleton Park a month ago, but organisers Straight Music cancelled, citing the dismal weather conditions.
The Manic Street Preachers were due to headline the three-day concert, with Keane, the Stranglers and the Levellers among those due to play.
The company promised a new date for this summer.
And Swansea Council leader Chris Holley said earlier this week he was confident the festival would go on.
But a Straight Music spokesman said last night, “It is with great regret we confirm the cancellation of the Fflam Festival for 2007.
“After the initial postponement due to torrential weather conditions, we have made every possible effort to try and secure a new date for the festival this summer.
“Unfortunately, we cannot find a date that suits all parties and due to artist availability, we are not in a position to deliver the brilliant line up of bands we intended.
“At this stage, we are left with no option but to cancel the festival for 2007 and put all our efforts into making it a huge success in 2008.
“For those who bought tickets, full refunds will be available from point of purchase.”
The cancellation will come as some relief to residents living near the park who have been increasingly concerned at the number of events and concerts in Singleton.
A Swansea Council spokesman said, “Fflam would have been a wonderful addition to the huge range of events staged in Swansea and would have increased the number of visitors to the city.
“Although this was not a council event, we worked with the promoters right up until the last possible moment and gave them every opportunity to make Fflam a success.
“Unfortunately, a number of events have conspired against the promoters, and it has not been possible for them to stage the event this year.
“Festival-goers who bought tickets from the council will receive a full refund.”
