Festival ticket alert

Dec 2 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

FESTIVAL fans were yesterday warned to beware offers of secondhand tickets for next year’s T in the Park.

The latest batch of briefs for the event disappeared in just 25 minutes on Friday amid a predictable phone and internet meltdown, as scores of music lovers brushed off the winter blues.

Thousands are now turning their thoughts to warmer days and lighter nights after securing gold-dust passes to the multi-award-winning Balado festival, which takes place from July 10-12.

Even though next year’s bill remains top secret, eager fans have been typically undeterred in their efforts to secure places at Scotland’s biggest musical shindig, which boasts a maximum capacity of 80,000.

However, festival organisers Big Day Out yesterday offered a message of hope to the multitudes who were disappointed at missing out.

A spokeswoman said those who were unsuccessful on Friday would still be given a further opportunity to buy tickets in the new year, when the first of the artists playing at T in the Park 2009 will be confirmed.

Following the 25-minute sell-out, the firm also urged desperate fans to refrain from buying secondhand tickets.

“These tickets may not actually exist, or will only be available at a highly inflated price,” a Big Day Out spokeswoman told Music Scene.

“To make sure they don’t miss a thing, T in the Parkers should sign up at www.tinthepark.com to ensure that they are kept up-to-date with all the latest news and forthcoming sale dates.”