LOCAL firms have been left in the lurch after the company behind the disastrous Party on the Pitch concerts announced it is going into liquidation, leaving thousands of pounds in unpaid bills.

Promoters Cherry Entertainment Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFC Bournemouth, organised the three-day event at the Fitness First stadium this summer to try to raise money for the cash-strapped football club.

It was hailed as Bournemouth's biggest music extravaganza, with hopes of attracting up to 20,000 revellers on each night.

But the line-up of acts such as opera star Russell Watson, pop idols Blue and a host of 80s heroes failed to bring in enough punters, and just 3,000 fans turned up on one evening, less than a fifth of the capacity.

Local businesses who were involved in staging the event say they have been waiting three months for payment from the promoters.

But yesterday, chairman of Cherry Entertainment, Malcolm Williamson, who was until recently also an associate director of AFC Bournemouth, sent out an email to creditors telling them the company had no option but to go into voluntary liquidation.

Paul Hingston from PP Events says he is owed more than £4,000 by Cherry Entertainment, but now holds out little hope that he will get his money.

"I supplied the back stage catering for the all the crews at the event and was based there for around five days.

"I had an agreement that I would be paid so much before the event and the rest a week after, but that was three months ago.

"Now, I don't know what's going to happen."

Ian Walker from Pure Energy Productions is still waiting for more than £18,000 for his work on the event.

"They have strung us along for three months saying they would pay us and we have given them the benefit of the doubt.

"Just last week they were talking about sorting out a payment plan and now we hear they are going into liquidation.

"It is very, very poor show."

He pointed out that AFC Bournemouth chairman Peter Phillips had gone on 2CR FM several weeks ago saying that all the creditors would be paid.

But a spokesman for the club said the news of the liquidation had come as a surprise and they had believed that payment was being arranged.

Mr Williamson was unavailable for comment.

First published: November 6