“Hundreds of undesirables” gained entry into the High Definition Festival on Saturday by jumping perimeter fences and using “fake tickets”, forcing organisers to close the gates to visitors.

Organisers of the festival in Forest Farm, Forest Road, Hainault, sent an urgent apology to visitors last night after the “sizeable undesirable element” meant those with legitimate tickets were turned away.

The London Ambulance Service were also called to reports of an “assault” at 6.45pm, which was dealt with by the on site medical team.

A spokesman, speaking on behalf of festival organisers, admitted there were a “number of issues” and said “a large reason for problems encountered was the sizeable undesirable element who gained entry.”

He said: “Subsequent checks have revealed 19 fake internet tickets and 900 fake physical tickets were used, further compounded by the hundreds of undesirables who jumped the perimeter fences.”

Organisers met with the police on the day and, after reviewing CCTV and aeriel footage of the site, took the combined decision not to allow anyone else in.

The spokesman said: “Next year all tickets will be sold through one secure ticket module online to avoid this undesirable element forging tickets and to stop issues with duplicate tickets cropping up again.

“We will also ensure a a more vigorous approach at the door to ensure those with forged tickets do not get in.”

Organisers said the added security will be combined with a 20ft shield around the perimeter fencing.

The spokesman added: “High Definition is a labour of love for five local people who have ploughed all their time, money and energies over the last three years into getting this event off the ground.

“Whilst Saturday was testing for us all in many ways, there were some really good elements to the festival.”

Did you experience any problems on Saturday? Please get in touch by calling 0208 477 3825 or email newsdesk@ilfordrecorder.co.uk.

For those who were unable to gain entry into the event, despite having a valid ticket, are being advised to email contact@highdefinitionfestival.co.uk.