CONFUSION has broken out over the reasons music festival Retro at the Rock has been relocated from Dumbarton to Glasgow.

Organisers YOUR Radio revealed the two-day event – set to feature Sister Sledge, Hot Chocolate and Boney M – will now be staged in May at Glasgow’s Barrowland instead, due to “unresolvable factors”.

The station blamed “council and alcohol licensing, noise levels and traffic management” as reasons for the move from Dumbarton FC’s Stadium.

But West Dunbartonshire Council has denied that blame for the move lay at the council’s door, stating instead that the organisers withdrew aspects of their application.

A spokesman for the local authority told the Reporter: “Council officers have been in discussions with the event organisers for some time.

“However, to date, no application for an alcohol licence was ever lodged with the council.

“An application for a public entertainment licence was being processed by the licensing team, however, the application was withdrawn by the applicant on March 12.”

News of the move has prompted confusion amongst ticketholders, as well as widespread disappointment.

Janie Preston, 51, who bought three general tickets for one day of the event, told the Reporter that she had changed her mind about attending in light of the move.

The Dumbarton resident said: “I think it’s a disgrace. The council blaming YOUR Radio and YOUR Radio blaming the council and meanwhile nobody is taking any responsibility for this.

“Someone has messed up and we are all to be affected, that’s not right. For myself and friends, we personally have no intention of travelling to Glasgow.

“We were looking forward to a local music event, but it defeats the purpose of going to Glasgow. I am not happy at all that tickets were being sold when things were clearly not settled.

“I’ve emailed for refund but had no response or acknowledgement.”

Gillian Bolton, meanwhile, said the change of venue had make her think twice about buying tickets for the event.

The 41-year-old from Balloch said: “I hadn’t booked tickets yet, thank God, but was going to go along and won’t be now though as it’s in Glasgow. I just think it would’ve been good for the area to have the music festival.”

According to the organisers it is planned that general admission tickets for the Friday and Saturday and weekend tickets will be valid for the new venue, however, due to licensing restrictions no under 14s are allowed at Barrowland.

A consequence of the move, which has also prompted dismay.

Denise Lally, commenting online, said: “I wanted to go because it was down at the rock but I ain’t travelling to the Barrowlands and it was a family weekend, now kids aren’t invited after paying for the tickets. Bang out of order. No thanks want my money back.”

All hospitality tickets will also have to be voided as there are no separate hospitality areas at the new venue, but all child and hospitality tickets issued will be automatically refunded.

Those who have tickets and no longer wish to attend can apply for a refund on tickets, “less a £1 per booking charge levied by the ticket agency”, by email only to refunds@yourradio.scot quoting your booking reference. These tickets will also be refunded on April 3.

Your Radio has not responded to the Reporter’s requests for comment.