OUTDOOR events organiser Alex Markham, whose major proms-style concert in Burnley Towneley park left artists and contractors claiming they were owed thousands of pounds, has been declared bankrupt.

An order was made against the 22-year-old former Clitheroe Grammar School student by Burnley county court, after a petition from a London seating supply contractor.

Last year's August Bank Holiday classical extravaganza at Towneley cost £17.50-a-head and featured a top bill including Tony Robinson of TV's Blackadder series, top soprano Sarah Walker and international guitarist, Neil Smith.

But the concert attracted only 1,000 people and complaints flowed in after people turned up at the end of the event for payment and could not find show organisers Mr Markham, then of Lindsay Park, Worsthorne, Burnley, and associate Gregson Knowles.

One contractor claimed tens of thousands of pounds were owed but detectives said the case was a civil rather than criminal matter. Today a spokesman for the Huddersfield solicitors acting on behalf of London seating company Black and Edgington, said the application had been made in respect of an unpaid invoice, but was unable to say if it related to the Towneley concert.

Speaking today at the Lindsay Park family home, his father, Peter ,said Alex did not live there any more.

Over two years ago Mr Markham hit the headlines when friends from the Lancashire Students' Symphony Orchestra took to the stage under his baton at Clitheroe Castle in a charity concert attended by more than 1,500 spectators.

Mr Markham gave up physics studies at King's College, London to organise proms-style events full-time and his bankruptcy petition describes him as a businesses and outdoor event organiser.

He had worked at Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn, but a spokesman said he had no forwarding address.

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