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Unreserved apology for Z008 "shambles"

Organisers of a major festival - dubbed a shambles by gig-goers - have "unreservedly apologised" to fans.

Just one day after saying "all headline acts turned up and everyone had a good time", organisers of Z008 now say they have learnt some painful lessons.

In a statement issued to media, Zoothousand co-director Ricardo Monty said the event "experienced some serious teething problems; including queues upon arrival, complaints over campsite overcrowding, lack of drinkable water, line-up and scheduling changes, and some significant dissent from artists regarding payment."

The admission comes after our website was deluged yesterday with complaints from those who had paid to see acts that didn't perform, and were forced to queue for hours.

Many complained about the showers and toilets at the event at Port Lympne wildlife park.

But organisers say the three-day festival was a "qualified" success.

After boasting of "sun-soaked revellers" enjoying some extraordinary sets in the beautiful rolling Kent countryside", the organisers admitted there was a cash flow difficulty.

Danny Blanche, Zoothoushand Festival co-director said: "Our biggest problem was one of miscalculation over cash flow.

"This required us to make pragmatic decisions to cancel a few acts.

"Thankfully, with some vital assistance from Port Lympne Wildlife Park, we managed to keep the show on the road, with the vast majority of the popular acts appearing."

He said the organisers had had feedback about the length of time spent queueing, and the campsite toilets.

He went on to say: "Obviously, none of this was ideal or planned - and not the quality of experience that we had aimed to deliver - and for that we unreservedly apologise to all those affected by the situation"

The team stressed this was their first festival.

As regards to handling complaints, staff would deal with any complaints posted on the forum or sent to the office.

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