A popular village event is in danger of being cancelled at the last minute over licensing regulations.

Blackrod Cricket Club is just weeks away from hosting its annual festival for the community, which also doubles up as a fundraiser for the club.

But club members say they have been left 'gutted' after its application to host Blackrod Fest on August 27 was rejected.

The club says it was not aware its permit application was not suitable - but Bolton Council stressed that the information is listed.

The club says everything was booked for the day  - but the dispute is over capacity, with more than 499 people expected to attend.

A statement from the club on social media said: “Everything was in place perfectly on our side for the upcoming bank holiday weekend. The forecast is good, the acts were raring to go and everything from the fairground rides to the pizza van was ready to do their thing(s).

“We needed and had way more than the 499 they are allowing us to have.

“The club have been in lengthy discussions with the council, but they are refusing to budge on their ‘ruling’.

“Blackrod Cricket Club is a small village club and relies heavily on these events. “

It added: “But above that, this was a fantastic opportunity to have a tremendous day on bank holiday Sunday, post-Covid and put the previous couple of terrible years behind us as a community.

“Blackrod Fest will go ahead at some point, and we will work hard behind the scenes to get this event on. We will be announcing a new date in due course.”

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “We have contacted the event organisers to discuss options and offer support so that this event can go ahead safely and in line with national licensing laws.

“Unfortunately, a temporary event notice only provides legal cover for an event with up to 499 people.

“It does not cover an event of the size currently estimated by the organisers in their event management plan.

“An application was made for a similar event in 2019 with an estimated attendance of 450.”

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Cllr Susan Baines said she was contacted by residents and the club.

Cllr Baines as Executive Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "I too was concerned as I felt events like this were important and that the people of Blackrod needed a bit of respite and happiness from having to cope with the previous couple of years."