THE man behind a cancelled Christmas party has apologised to disappointed guests, saying he has received threats online.

Noel Gallagher, who ran the Witton Albion Social Club as ‘Witton Club Ltd’ – with no affiliation to the football club – says he was forced to cancel three of the four Fantasia events having been let down by ‘several factors’.

The first ‘unbelievable, unimaginable, unforgettable’ event planned for last Friday was cancelled, while guests on Saturday were left disappointed with the value they got for the near-£50 ticket.

Two further parties planned for this Friday and Saturday have been cancelled, and organiser Witton Club Ltd has entered liquidation.

Mr Gallagher said the event’s planning was hindered by an illness in the family, and that all who booked and missed out will receive a full refund.

He said: “It started while my stepdaughter was in hospital seriously ill.

“Nothing had been cancelled or put in jeopardy at that point but people were complaining and asking for refunds and it spiralled out of control on Facebook. It literally turned into a witch hunt.

“I posted a heartfelt apology and explanation but people were still unhappy.

“We held one night and were let down by several factors. It was certainly not what we had hoped for at all.

“I have since had threats, my address posted online and people have tried to access my email and social media accounts.”

At £48 per ticket and £450 for a group booking of 10 people, the event promised a champagne, close-up magic, fire breathers and other acts, a three-course dinner, a vodka lounge and Grey Goose luge, and live entertainment including an illusionist, comedian, disco, and DJ.

One woman who attended Saturday’s event told the Guardian: “The Saturday night event went ahead but not as advertised.

“The entertainment didn’t turn up and the food was poor. We don’t seem to be able to get answers from anyone – I have paid almost £500 for the night, and I am worried I will now lose this.

“I know I am not in my own and it will be a substantial amount of money that has been paid to the organiser.”

After details of last weekend’s disappointing event were shared on Facebook, the coming Friday and Saturday nights were hit by a spate of cancellations, which left organisers no option but to cancel them.

Having set up Witton Club Ltd in April, Mr Gallagher on Monday handed back the keys to Witton Albion FC.

“I want to apologise to everyone who booked and missed out,” he said. “It certainly wasn’t what I intended and everyone who has had a ticket cancelled will receive a refund in due course.

“Witton Club Ltd has entered into liquidation and everyone will be contacted about their booking.”

Witton Albion FC chairman John Salmon said the social club had been sublet for the 2018/19 season to Mr Gallagher, who took money for social functions and paid rent to the club.

Mr Salmon said: “The board of directors of Witton Albion FC decided for the 2018-19 season to sublet the social club under a franchise agreement to Noel Gallagher operating as The Witton Club.

"This is a separate legal entity paying rent under the terms of the agreement to the football club whilst also providing match day food for players and officials.

"For the avoidance of doubt social function bookings and payments were made to Mr Gallagher and not to Witton Albion FC.

"Following issues concerning last weekend’s scheduled social functions and a number of complaints from the general public the club moved swiftly to terminate the agreement.

"Officials met with Mr Gallagher on Monday and after a stock take and other necessary formalities he left the premises and has been replaced by another licensee to ensure continuity under the control of the football club.

"Whilst any bookings and contractual liability are with Mr Gallagher and The Witton Club it would be remiss of Witton Albion FC and its duties to the wider community not to take this immediate step.

"Accordingly we are working with customers of The Witton Club who have organised functions to attempt to achieve a satisfactory conclusion."

Queries to this effect can be sent to chairman@wittonalbion.com

Direct any queries concerning Fantasia to wittonclub@gmail.com