Summerfest at the Beach ticket holders frustrated after free tickets distributed despite 17,000 Saturday sales

Some ticket holders for this weekends Summer Fest at the Beach in Weston-super-Mare, which will see performers including Craig David, Dizsee Rascal, Madness & Sister Sledge, have been left disgruntled at free tickets becoming available for the event after they have paid to attend.

This has coincided with local Facebook groups seeing high numbers of tickets being offered for sale, suggesting that the sellers have managed to bag a free ticket, and are now trying to re-sell ones they have paid for.

Adult tickets are being sold at £77.84 each on a Saturday or Sunday, or alternatively a weekend ticket for both days is £128.80.

Organisers have said that at least 17,000 people are expected to attend on Saturday alone.

Weston Independent News spoke with one local resident who explained how she was successful in securing two free tickets for Sunday after a link was shared in a residents WhatsApp group.

This was then followed today (Thursday 4th June) by receiving a text message offering two free tickets for Friday evenings “Symphonic Ibiza” event because she had “supported Summerfest yr1”.

Free tickets have been offered to at least some people who have paid for tickets (Photo: Supplied)

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said that the only way organisers could have had access to her number to offer the free tickets for Friday, is from where she entered it on an online form in order to secure Sundays tickets.

Rich Planky also took to social media to complain about free tickets, he said; “Liberty giving free tickets out when I paid full price for VIP tickets because the event is across the road from my house”

Concerns have also been raised around the level of the organisation for the event with roles of marshalls to assist visitors from the train station to the venue still being recruited this week.

Some ticket holders have also take to social media to voice their concern regarding accessibility for disabled people.

Caz Brook posted on social media; “Who can I contact about access information? I want to make this experience as easy as I can for my disabled child, but the ticket company didn't know.”

Caz is not the only person to take to social media to raise concerns on disability access.

Shelly Jellet said; “How's access for wheelchairs - worried about getting stuck in sand” which was replied to by Lee Lomax with; “Same, I’ve emailed them but no response”

Organisers have been contacted for comment