MUSIC fans have reacted with dismay to the news that Oxford’s biggest festival, Common People, has been scrapped.

The news was revealed in yesterday’s Oxford Mail after the organisers went into administration with debts of more than £250,000.

After hearing that the two-day event would not be returning to South Park, festival goers flocked to social media to air their disappointment.

Read again: Common People festival cancelled, leaving £250,000 in debt

Commenting on the Oxford Mail facebook page Richard Laurie wrote: “That is a real shame as it was a great event.”

Leanne Dowley added: “It's just such a shame.”

While Samantha May said simply: “Gutted.”

Commenting on the Oxford Mail website, Kidlington Dave said: “Shame, but it was obvious last year crowds were down massively on the first two years.

Oxford Mail:

“Main stage line ups were all over the place.

“Some good stuff obviously but seemed to be trying to please everyone. Spent more time watching local bands - good mix of styles.”

Crowd numbers at last year’s festival fell below expectations which DJ Rob Da Bank, who staged the festival, blamed on bleak weather forecasts for rain which had slashed walk-up trade.

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The festival has been a main stay at the park in Cowley for the past three years, attracting headliners such as Duran Duran, The Jacksons, Pete Tong, Sean Paul and Oxford rock band Ride.

The collapse of Rob Da Bank’s festival firm Bestival Ltd has left contractors and suppliers and possibly some artists out of pocket.

Oxford City Council is owed about £5,000 for the hire of the park and its corporate arm Direct Services is owed another £2,000 which includes the cleaning bill. Oxford Story Museum is owed £1,000.

The council said it was committed to bringing another annual festival to South Park.