CONFUSION over a long-running festival’s return has been put right by its organiser - after speculation arose that its application to host had been rejected.

Medieval Mayhem, which takes place at Monk Bretton Priory, will return on May 16 and May 17.

Confusion had grown after another event - Friends Kids’ Festival - had its application to host at the same site refused earlier this year over safety concerns.

Applicant Marcel Vornicu had sought permission from Barnsley Council, however councillors opted to reject issuing a licence ahead of the proposed event at the end of May.

The council’s licensing team raised concerns about how the event would be run, including crowd monitoring, safeguarding, security and access arrangements.

Medieval Mayhem’s organiser, Victoria Agnew, told the Chronicle: “Many people have assumed that the other event’s rejection referred to our weekend.

“We’ve had numerous messages from people asking for refunds because they believe our event has been cancelled.

“This time last year we had already sold around 1,000 tickets - this year we’re at just 200, and the confusion appears to be the reason.

“As a volunteer‑run event that funds free entertainment, parking, toilets, security and first aid for thousands of visitors, this drop in ticket sales is extremely worrying.

“Our team have been genuinely concerned that if we can’t correct the misunderstanding and recover this year’s numbers, this may be our last Medieval Mayhem.”