THOUSANDS of people will be left out of pocket after a last ditch bid to save an open air concert by pop group McFly failed.A total of 3,600 tickets had been sold for the event in Christchurch Park, Ipswich, on July 29 – and most will not get their money back.

THOUSANDS of people will be left out of pocket after a last ditch bid to save an open air concert by pop group McFly failed.

A total of 3,600 tickets had been sold for the event in Christchurch Park, Ipswich, on July 29 - and most will not get their money back.

Instead, Ipswich Town has stepped in to offer a scheme where people can swap their tickets for tickets to see the club play Atletico Madrid at Portman Road on the same night.

The McFly concert was put in doubt after promoter, Colchester-based John Hessenthaler Productions Ltd, went into administration on June 20.

Organisers had hoped that a local company or group of companies would come forward and supply the £30,000 sponsorship money to fund the show but yesterday it was announced that no one had been found.

Of those who bought tickets for the concert, at £25.50 each plus a booking fee, only around 200 of these are guaranteed to receive a refund if they do not go to the match because they purchased tickets after the company went into administration.

Steven Law, a partner with Ensors accountants in Ipswich, who is heading the administration team, said: “The bad news is that we have not been successful in finding a sponsor to enable the show to go on at Christchurch Park.

“We approached several of the larger companies in the area and unfortunately they could not justify the outlay. It is disappointing because we were able to put a Will Young show on in another town because a major sponsor came forward and therefore we thought the effort worthwhile.

“But the very good news is that on Friday Ipswich Town Football Club, who are playing Atletico Madrid on the same night, agreed to exchange McFly tickets for tickets to the match.

“We will ensure that all ticket holders are informed and will be writing to them to tell them about this exciting opportunity and hopefully they will take it up.”

Mr Law said that anyone that paid by credit card would have to contact their credit card provider if they wanted their money back.

Derek Bowden, ITFC chief executive, added: “We think that it's right that we offer alternative entertainment on the night and are very happy to be able to do that.

“There will be a McFly theme to the evening and we are pleased to say that we are in discussion with the group to see if they will make an appearance at the match, however it is very early days and I wouldn't want to get anybody's hopes up.”

Top price tickets for the Ipswich Town match are £15, while it costs £3 for children.

Tickets can be exchanged from today at ITFC ticket offices, the Planet Blue stores or by phoning 08701 110555.