A CANCELLED major rock concert that was set to take place in Ringwood this summer will go ahead in 2012, say organisers.

Ringwood Rocks was recently called off following difficulties in finalising the arrangements for the event, which was due to take place on July 9 and 10 in the town’s Market Place.

It was likely to attract more than 3,000 people and around 30 bands – one of the biggest events the town has ever seen.

However, organisers said they were forced to scrap the two-day music festival due to policing costs rising to at least £40,000.

Hampshire Police disputed that claim, saying the figure had been “plucked out of the air”.

But now Ringwood Town Council says it is working with organisers to “achieve a safe event within the town in 2012”.

The town council, which was the main sponsor for the event, released a statement saying it envisaged a much smaller event.

The council also said the event publicity had resembled something more like Glastonbury.

Town clerk Terry Simpson told the Echo: “The web publicity gave much greater national exposure to the event.

“That made it clear to the licensing authority, the police, and the town council, that the free rock concert would attract visitors from far and wide, rather than just from the town area.

“It was felt likely that even after increasing the number of security staff, the numbers attending would be more than could be safely accommodated in the Market Place.”

Instead the council offered the organisers the use of the Bickerley, where the event had been held previously, but when other local sponsors withdrew their support the event was cancelled.

Jim Stride, one of the organisers said: “It is disappointing that the event cannot go ahead this year.

“Such a lot of work had gone into organising something special.

“But the organisers will be working with Ringwood Town Council to see what we can achieve for next year.”