THE organiser of a Bradford district music festival has explained why two of its biggest acts will no longer be performing.

Earlier this year, it was announced Gareth Gates, Peter Andre, and Ellie Sax were to play at Challenge Festival in Bingley's Myrtle Park next month.

However, the bookings for the latter pair at the three-day event, held between May 24 and 26, have since been cancelled.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Myrtle ParkMyrtle Park (Image: Newsquest)Chair Ian Andrews-Swailes told the Telegraph & Argus why this was the case.

"The cost of living crisis - people have got no money," he said.

"Peter Andre and Ellie Sax were the easiest ones to move.

"It was more to do with poor ticket sales and people could not afford to do it."

Instead, the festival will now be free to all attendees - with those who have paid for tickets to be refunded.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Peter Andre won't be performing at Challenge FestivalPeter Andre won't be performing at Challenge Festival (Image: PA)Mr Andrews-Swailes added: "We wanted to give them something really good to come to - that is why Gareth is still going to be there all day Saturday.

"What a great opportunity, if we can make it free, let's make it free!

"Gareth is a friend of Bradford so it was key to keep him there. I would rather him be there than Peter Andre."

Gates is also set to perform the night before at the Tapestry with tickets priced at £19.50.

"It has not been that bad (the reaction) because we are running a concert for Gareth," he said.

"Some people are getting their money back and getting tickets for that (Friday night). The reaction has been really good.

"Even people who had bought tickets, we are not hearing many complaints, because they are still getting something free to attend. They all seem to be up for it."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Gareth Gates will headline the festivalGareth Gates will headline the festival (Image: Newsquest)With Bingley Festival likely to not go ahead this year too, Mr Andrews-Swailes feels it is a wider industry issue rather than just one for the Bradford district.

"The recession has really hit home," he said.

"The costs are being hiked up by the agents because they are trying to get more money for the people performing. It is an unbalanced situation.

"I can still run the Saltaire Festival and Challenge because of their structure. I am not after making a fortune from these events. All I am after is breaking even.

He added: "It is a massive industry issue. The big festivals are really stuck.

"At this moment in time, it is going to be survival of the fittest."