A FESTIVAL boss has apologised after a software issue affected gig-goers at a Colchester event.

The 80s Calling Festival took place on Saturday in Lower Castle Park and it was organised by LHG Events.

The concert featured live performances from The Christians, Hue and Cry, The Farm, Level 42, Bananarama, and the headliners, The Human League.

Attendees and some of the performing groups widely praised the festival.

Crowd - an image of the Gold Circle area at 80s CallingCrowd - an image of the Gold Circle area at 80s Calling (Image: Chloe Jenkins from Chloe’s Photography)

However, some have complained that card machines weren’t working on the day resulting in punters not being able to pay by card at the festival’s bars.

Although this issue was fixed as the event progressed, many music lovers were told to bring cash before entering.

They also felt there could have been better organisation when forming queues for the bar areas, particularly in the golden circle area.

Colchester resident, Simon Miller said: “It was a fantastic event, great line up of bands who all smashed it.

Headliner - Phillip Oakey from The Human LeagueHeadliner - Phillip Oakey from The Human League (Image: Chloe Jenkins from Chloe’s Photography)

“Shame about the shambles trying to get a drink.”

Fellow attendee, Jane Selby agreed.

She said: “Great bands but let down by poor organizers. One bar was not enough.

“I appreciate they said that the card machines going down was out of their control but when they worked the queuing was horrendous.”

Great performance - Bananarama on stageGreat performance - Bananarama on stage (Image: Chloe Jenkins from Chloe’s Photography)

Rupert Doogan-Hobbs is the director of LHG Events, which organised the 80s Calling Festival in Colchester.

Mr Doogan-Hobbs spoke to The Gazette about the card machines issue as The Human League was performing.

He said: “We had some PDQ machines that we get in from another company that supply us with them, we did some tests with them the day before, put some penny transfers through, everything was fine.

Enjoying the moment - 80s calling festival attendees enjoying the music and sunshineEnjoying the moment - 80s calling festival attendees enjoying the music and sunshine (Image: Chloe Jenkins from Chloe’s Photography)

“We started them up on the day and on 18 of 26 PDQ machines, there was a software error that said transaction not accepted.

“I can assure you that the most disappointed people in Castle Park was Liz Hobbs and myself.

“All we want to do is provide a good service for people to come and enjoy themselves in a great, safe environment.

“So for anyone who has been inconvenienced by it, we are really sorry and it was something outside of our control as it was a software issue.

“Hopefully everyone has enjoyed the music, environment, and been able to get beer at some point in time, I hope it hasn’t ruined anyone’s experience and I hope everyone went home happy.”