THE company behind a popular music festival has gone bust, leaving hundreds of people out of pocket.

This year's Park Proms event won't be going ahead after Podium Event Group Limited announced it is “taking steps to be placed into liquidation”.

The highly anticipated festival had been due to take place at Broadlands Estate in Romsey on August 27 and 28, 2021 but was later rescheduled to 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, details were not confirmed with customers or Broadlands Estate, the Echo understands.

The company was contacted for comment several times but did not respond.

READ MORE: No more refunds for cancelled Park Proms event says director (as some still out of pocket)

Prior to the announcement, scores of customers spoke of their anger after receiving no communication or refunds after last year’s event was cancelled.

Customers told the Echo they have been “left high and dry” by the firm with an office listed at Enterprise House, Ocean Village, Southampton.

Mrs Holloway, who lives in Southampton, spent around £200 on four tickets for her and her parents to attend, but is now concerned she will not see that money again.

The 47-year-old said: “I purchased the tickets as a Christmas present for my parents.

“After the event was cancelled I received an email stating I could get a refund and I requested it in July 2021.

“From there I heard absolutely nothing. I kept emailing and heard nothing back. My parents and I have tried to call their listed telephone number.

“We have been left high and dry and in the dark about what is happening with my money.

“It’s a pain and an inconvenience that I could do without. It was something to look forward to and now we are trying to find how we can get our refund back.”

Her mother Annette Sant, 74, also tried contacting Podium Events.

She said: “I don’t hold out much hope now of getting the tickets refunded.

“I emailed the company again not that long ago and received no reply, so I asked them to be courteous and reply but I have not heard anything.

“My daughter booked it for us and I feel awful she has lost out.”

In a statement, the company said ticketholders may only be able to obtain a refund by claiming it back from their credit or debit card issuer.

“The company cannot refund the amount you have paid for tickets,” it said.

The firm explained that due to the fact “significant costs” have already been incurred in preparation for Park Proms, it does not have “sufficient assets to settle its liabilities, including ticket holders, for the losses that they will incur”.

In a post on social media, the firm said: “To those who have been let down by this situation, we are deeply sorry.”

This announcement does not affect any other scheduled events at Broadlands Estate.

Numerous attempts have been made by the Echo to contact director of Podium Events, Michael James Hlavaty, and the Park Proms team who have not responded to our request for a comment.

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