Blur's Alex James: I Had Nothing To Do With Festival Failure

Alex James has apologised to those left empty-pocketed after the festival he helped organise went bust - but the Blur bassist denies any responsibilty for the event held at his farm dubbed 'Gastrobury'.

Big Wheel, the promoters of the Harvest Festival, were recently declared backrupt with many unpaid creditors being left in the lurch - including a primary school owed around £7,000.

A statement by James read:

"I am appalled by Big Wheel's financial management of the festival held at my farm which has left many out of pocket".

It continued:

"Please be aware that I have no relationship with Big Wheel, beyond allowing them to stage the Harvest Festival at my farm and - regrettably - to use my name to stage the event. At no stage was there ever any indication that they would be unable to meet their costs. The news has come as a complete bolt from the blue".