PEOPLE who bought tickets for the ill-fated Mfor Festival are having their money refunded, says the organiser.

The event, which was to have Atomic Kitten and Pixie Lott as headline acts, was called off last month after military veteran Graham Stobbs suffered a mental health breakdown that led to fears he was going to take his own life.

It had been planned for July 28 at Lydiard Park and was to celebrate live music and the armed forces. Now he is planning to stage another event next year.

In a statement yesterday Mr Stobbs said: “I can confirm that refunds are being processed and everyone who bought a ticket has been contacted via email to let them know.

“We’ve asked for their patience to allow seven to 10 working days for a refund to be processed.

“I passionately believe in this event along with the charities I and my team would like to support.”

He thanked people for their patience at a difficult time and added: “My personal investment in this meant I neglected my own mental health and this led to Mfor for 2018 being cancelled.

"However mental health and PTSD is something which needs debating.

“We do need to support those who still haven’t reached out for help and continue to suffer in silence.

“Plans are afoot for a 2019 event, details of which will be shared in due course,” he said.

Mr Stobbs is planning a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in September to raise money for Wiltshire-based charity Help for Heroes.

“I’m very serious about continuing to support veterans,” he said.

Festival-goers found out the event was being cancelled when Mr Stobbs posted a video on its Facebook page on May 21.

He broke down on camera and talked about post-traumatic stress disorder and the effect it had on people’s lives.

During the video he apologised repeatedly and said he felt he had let people down.

Worried viewers called police and urged him to get in touch.

He was found safe some time afterwards and his daughter later thanked people for their support.

Plans for the festival were unveiled last autumn and by May the line-up included Peter Andre, 5ive, Aston Merrygold and Dave Finnigan’s Commitments.

Anyone who believed they have not been contacted about a refund should email questions@synistermusicevents.co.uk