Refunds after washed-out Madness concert in Carlisle

The concert was cancelled for safety reasons

Almost £200,000 has so far been refunded to fans who missed out on a concert by 80s band Madness after flooding in Cumbria.

Bosses at Carlisle Racecourse said Saturday's event, part of the Stobart Summer Festival, had to be abandoned due to a waterlogged course.

More than 7,500 people bought tickets for the festival, all of whom are entitled to a full refund.

General manager Richard Clements said a further £50,000 would to be paid out.

The event was called off on Friday afternoon after an inspection of the course showed it was unfit for use.

'Very disappointed'

The venue's grassy car parks were also out of action because of flooding after a week of heavy rain following what the Met Office said was the wettest June for more than a century.

Mr Clements said the racecourse was insured for cancellation, but had still missed out on substantial income from food and drink sales.

He said: "Despite it being a decent day on Saturday, it was definitely the right decision to cancel.

"People were obviously very disappointed, but feedback has generally been good, with most people understanding the reason for the decision.

"In all, just under £250,000 is to be refunded, including ticket sales and hospitality."