Llanfest 2017: Frustration as site struggles with Manic Street Preachers ticket demand
Music-lovers were left scratching their heads after problems trying to snag tickets for Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers who will play at Llanfest 2017, part of the 70th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
The trio, from Blackwood in South Wales, will play the final day of next year's festival on July 9, and yesterday fans rushed online to get tickets for the gig.
However many were left frustrated after the website struggled to cope with the demand.
Sian Eagar, chief operations officer at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said she apologised for any "frustrations" caused by the techincal issue – which was resolved shortly afterwards.
She said: "Our website experienced an incredible volume of traffic in the first 30 minutes of tickets for Llanfest 2017, which will be headlined by Manic Street Preachers.
"All available seated tickets sold out within that time and our payment system experienced a backlog, causing some subsequent confirmation emails to be delayed.
"Standing tickets for the gig are still available and the payments are being processed, however customers should be aware that confirmation emails may take a few hours to arrive.
"We are delighted that so many people share our enthusiasm for the Manics and Llanfest and look forward to a great atmosphere at the event next year. We apologise for any frustration caused by the technical issue and if anyone is concerned about their order, we invite them to call the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod office on 01978 862 000 or email tickets@inter national-eisteddfod.co.uk so the team can assist them."
The one-off show at the Royal International Pavilion is expected sell out the 5,200-capacity.
The band, whose hits include A Design For Life, Motorcycle Emptiness and If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next, have just finished the 20th anniversary tour of their platinum album Everything Must Go.
The band said: "It's always really special for us to play in Wales, particularly when we are playing an event for the first time. And to play on the festival's 70th anniversary will make it even better."
Eilir Owen Griffiths, the festival's musical director, said: "This is set to be Llanfest's biggest ever show and to say we are excited about the prospect would be an understatement.
"The Manics are one of the most important bands to ever emerge from Wales."
