PRICES have been slashed for the Millennium Eve night at Colne Municipal Hall after organisers tried to charge £50 a head - and failed to sell a single ticket.

The price was initially cut to £30 but when that failed to get people in the party mood - fewer than 100 tickets were sold - it was reduced again to £10.

People who bought tickets at the higher price are being offered a refund and Pendle Council, which is organising the night, will meet any losses. The party is being led by 70s and 80s soul singers The Real Thing, whose hits included "Can't Get By Without You" and "You'll Never Know What You're Missing".

In recent years the New Year's Eve party at "the Muni" has been a sell-out but this year organisers faced the embarrassment of the party falling flat.

The move to offer a bargain night out on Millennium Eve has been a success with sales rocketing. More than 200 £10 tickets were sold in three days and organisers are halfway towards filling the 600 places on offer. The price is cheaper than the £15 charged last New Year's Eve.

Organisers blamed "millennium hype" for the initial poor take up of tickets.

The council's entertainments manager Gary Hood said: "When the event was booked back in January all the talk was about how the millennium was going to be the biggest thing ever and the media was reporting hotels charging hundreds of pounds for New Year's Eve events. "That's not happened because people weren't prepared to pay those prices. Unfortunately at that time we had to make bookings on the information that was available and artists were charging accordingly.

"A week ago we were looking at a New Year's Eve party for less than 100 people which would have been a great shame. Since we've dropped the price to £10 the sales have been phenomenal and we can now guarantee an unforgettable party night .

"Anyone who has bought tickets before the price drop should call the box office for a refund of the difference."

Mr Hood said he hoped bar takings would help alleviate any losses which will only be known after the event.

The Real Thing will be supported by British jump jive band The Eric Olthwaite Gang and two leading blues and soul DJs, Chris Powers and Ken Nicholson and bar prices will be held at their normal levels.

Tickets are available from the box office opposite the Municipal Hall or by contacting 01282 661234. It is open until 4pm tomorrow and mornings only all next week.

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