AN artist has lashed out at the organisers of Southend’s annual cultural festival for restricting admission to only those with wristbands.

John Bulley, a Southend-based artist known for painting the mural on the side of Gran Moda in Leigh, and illustrating the Turning Tides children’s books, believes that the move immediately alienates people who do not have access to the internet.

He questioned the motives of arts organisation Metal, who are running the Village Green festival at Chalkwell Park on 13 July.

He said: “How dare they impose such restrictions on our park? I was under the illusion that the park was for everybody, that it was for us, the local community.

“This, and their ‘we reserve the right to refuse admission’ schtick, smacks of elitism. Worse than that, it smacks of fear. Who exactly do they want to keep out?"

Metal claim that the move, implemented for the first time this year, is to reduce queues, due to the growing popularity of the event. In 2008, the festival attracted 8,000 people.

Last year, 31,000 people attended.

4,000 festival-goers have already registered online for wristbands giving them free admission, which can then be collected from shops and libraries in Southend, Leigh and Westcliff.

Stephanie Stevenson, from Metal, said: “There are a number of ways that people can get a wristband.

“In the month leading up to Village Green we will have a presence at a number of community events in both Leigh and Southend where people can register by filling in a postcard and take their wristbands there and then.

“You will also be able to get a wristband on the day of Village Green at the entrance to the festival, so nobody will miss out.”

 Mr Bulley went on: “They are showing their true colours, elitist and exclusive. “Who do they think they are? V Festival? Glastonbury? Watch this space, it won’t be long before they are charging for admission.”