It’s finished before it’s even begun. Before the first pint has been pulled, the doors have closed on Pub In The Park, a three day festival due to take place on the 18,19,20th September 2009 in Greenwich Park London.

The festival was due to feature top 80’s stars including T’Pau and ABC, stars from Britain’s Got Talent and Xfactor, a huge bar area, and a whole host of comedy, theatre, and family entertainment.

First indications of trouble came yesterday afternoon, when the ticket page of the official website announced the event cancellation, and a notice was sent out to fans via the official Facebook page. At around 6pm yesterday, the official website was pulled and the following statement was issued by event organisers:

“It is with enormous regret that the Directors of Pub in the Park have been left with no option other than to announce that this year’s Pub in the Park will not be going ahead.

This is due to a combination of factors, including slower than expected ticket sales and the pressures brought on by this uncertain economic climate. Despite having invested significant funds, as well as investing two years of our lives, and an enormous amount of effort into the planning of Pub in the Park, we are left with no alternative than to cancel the event.

We would like to thank all those who purchased tickets and assure you that you will all receive 100% refunds. Please contact your point of purchase from Monday 14th September to receive your full refund.

There are so many people who have provided enormous support to this event who we would like to thank for their drive, enthusiasm, and support of this event. To our very hard working and dedicated team you have been fantastic.”

This statement was met with some disappointment from fans, some of whom had only recently read about the event or purchased tickets, while others were due to take part in competitions. Some comments on Facebook include:

•    “Why is it cancelled…rubbish! I just bought tickets last night and had lots of friends that were going to buy some tomorrow!! I only heard about this festival yesterday, read about it in London Paper, so you didn’t have enough advertising unfortunately”

•    “Would’ve been good, and just what Greenwich needed”

Sarah Traynor, one of the event directors, confirmed to music.co.uk that everyone will be offered full refunds on their tickets, which will happen automatically if you purchased them through SEE TICKETS. Otherwise please contact your point of sale, or visit www.pubinthepark.com for contact details of ticket agents.

It’s too soon to say if Pub In The Park will eventually have the chance to entertain the people of Greenwich, but music.co.uk hopes that it’s not the end of the road just yet!