Two members of four-piece band The Mend

Ilford Town Centre management say they have been “let down” by Britain’s Got Talent finalists The Mend, who cancelled their Closing Ceremony performance due to contracts four days before the gig.

The Manchester based four-piece group, which includes Kris Evans, Dean Kelly, Craig Worsley and Jay Kontzle, were set to perform in Ilford Town Centre on Sunday as part of a pre Olympic Closing Ceremony gig.

The band, which formed in 2008, appeared on ITV1’s Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year and entered into discussions with town centre event organisers three months ago.

Agent Matt Wynter, speaking on behalf of the band and Insanity Management, said: “We wanted to let the fans know that cancelling wasn’t down to us. There are certain contract clauses that are standard and these were not agreed to.

“It is unheard of for the band to provide their own security and we couldn’t compromise the safety of the lads. I’m not saying they’re Take That but they have to be looked after.”

Insanity Management also claim “essential” stage equipment would not be provided and town centre management would not agree to pay up front.

Mr Wynter said: “The organisers wouldn’t secure the funds beforehand which is also very unusual. If the band can’t make it then of course the money gets paid back.

“The whole situation was very frustrating. It is a real shame The Mend won’t be performing because they were 100 per cent up for it and they all love their fans.”

Ilford Business Improvement District project and programmes manager, Steve Miller, said: “What they are saying is untrue. I won’t be held to ransom by the management company who are being unreasonable.”

He added that there will be security at the event from 5pm-1am and equipment will be provided, as it is for all the acts.

Mr Miller said: “This isn’t the O2 academy, I’m not sure what they expect. I also would have been quite happy to pay the £1,500 up front if they hadn’t asked for a clause in the contract to say they would still be paid if they were late.

“They could only have chance to perform one song, and therefore I wouldn’t be happy to pay the full amount. It’s not the band, it’s their company who have let us down big time.”

There will be a variety of acts performing outside Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford including Vida, a four piece girl group, solo vocalist Amba, five piece group RamHans, and talented local musician Ryan Green.