Artists and traders 'furious' over cancelled event

Drag artist Emma Round, who performs as Crip Ladywood, was meant to take to the stage at Party in the Park

Performers and stallholders feared being left out of pocket after an event was cancelled at the last minute.

Party in the Party: The LGBTQIA+ Festival, which was dubbed "a family fun day for all", was due to take place on 12 July at Trinity Park, in Ipswich, Suffolk.

But after organisers failed to settle the outstanding fees required to use the venue, they pulled the plug, with many of those due to be involved finding out on social media.

The BBC contacted organiser Sam Arbon and asked whether the money he had been paid by vendors and ticketholders would be refunded, but he said he would "prefer not to discuss it".

The festival had promised a "fantastic" line-up of drag artists and musicians, more than 100 stalls, a food court, funfair rides, and a children's area.

It was also supposed to be an inclusive celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, with Suffolk Pride set to have a presence.

However, on the eve of the official cancellation, Suffolk Pride withdrew with "a heavy heart" after deciding its values and ethical standards could not "be upheld within the context of this event".

"This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our community," a spokesperson said.

Anthony MacAndrew was promised a fee of £1,600 to perform at Party in the Park

The 11th hour cancellation has also disheartened and concerned performers, such as Anthony MacAndrew, whose Coldplay tribute band was due to be paid £1,600.

"It is a huge loss for us, so I would hope we will eventually get that fee back, but I can see that taking quite a long time," he told the BBC.

"It is just disappointing really that the organiser can mess with people's lives like this."

Drag artist Emma Round was booked to perform for £600 and said the loss had cost performers a lot of money.

They told the BBC their main concern was the lasting impact it could have on the LGBTQ+ community, which felt let down by the cancellation.

"I am disgusted and it's just really hurtful because this damages trust in grassroots LGBTQ+ movement and festivals," they said.

"It damages public confidence and harms our community and our ability to engage with people."

Nicola Chapman, 38, had been preparing to sell her resin-based products at the festival, having paid a £30 pitch fee and forked out on extra materials.

"I am going to try and get the money back one way or the other," she said.

"People are upset, angry, disappointed and furious because loads of us said no to other events because of this one.

"It was a big shock to me."

The event was due to take place at Trinity Park, in Ipswich, on 12 July

Graham Thurston, events and estate manager at Trinity Park, told the BBC the organiser had signed a contract and paid a deposit.

When he asked for the outstanding balance to be settled earlier this week, it "became aware that there was a major issue with the whole event".

"We understand there is a personal circumstance with the main organiser," he said.

"They looked into certain aspects of the event and decided to cancel it, and we agree with the decision."

Suffolk Trading Standards said it was aware of reports on social media about the cancellation of the event and the concerns of ticketholders and vendors.

It advised ticketholders to ask their ticketing company for a refund and stallholders to contact the organiser for their money back.