THE Radio 1 Big Weekend cost the council more than £40,000.

The spectacular event in May, which saw Madonna performing live in Mote Park, Maidstone, was hailed as a huge success.

Maidstone council has revealed it paid £43,000 for its part in organising the event, of which £13,000 went to Kent Police.

This figure is nothing compared to the amount spent by the BBC in bringing top acts to the County Town.

A spokesman said: “You will appreciate that so soon after the event, not all of the costs are in and it’s difficult to be precise, but the total cost is in the region of £1.4 million.”

Thousands of people flocked to the park to enjoy some of the country’s best musical offerings.

In addition, millions of people across the UK tuned in on either radio, TV or iPlayer.

The spokesman said: “In the circumstances, we believe the Big Weekend is an extremely cost-effective event.”

Brian Morgan, from Maidstone council, said: “The Big Weekend in terms of the promotion of the town has been worth millions of pounds, given the national and international coverage the borough has received.”