The man behind Maidstone's newest family-orientated music and arts festival has hit back at critics who branded the event a 'shambles' yesterday.

Furious Big Day Out customers took to Twitter and Facebook to complain about three-hour queues, lax security and the no-show of Peppa Pig and other popular TV characters at the children's arena.

However, Luke Bendall, organiser of the two-day event, said many of the issues have been exaggerated and any disruption was necessary to keep people safe.

Mr Bendall also denied negative comments posted on the festival's Facebook page had been deleted, except for those containing foul or aggressive language.

He said: "At the end of the day a lot of stuff on there has been exaggerated.

"It was never a three-hour wait to come in.

"We have been monitoring queue times and 60 minutes was peak on Saturday and most were about 30 or 35 minutes."

Mr Bendall apologised to visitors whose children missed out at the children's arena but said the company hired to provide the costumed characters could not allow its staff to walk on wet grass because of the risk of falling.

Other attractions like bouncy castles also couldn't be used in the rain.

He said:"It is year one and that means tweaks have been made. Our customers' safety is paramount to us and so is their enjoyment fo the day.

"Sadly the water did catch us out and we had to put contingency plans in place to mitigate and ensure health and safety."

This included handing out bottles of water to queuing customers and working to free drivers who had become stuck in increasingly muddy off-site parking.

Regarding the banning of customers bringing in their own food, Mr Bendall said: "Some people weren't happy they could bring in food but we are a private event. Some mistakenly think this was organised by the council."

While the Facebook page continues to receive criticism some have praised the organisers for improving on yesterday.

Festival goer Louise Cheeseman said: "I have to say the organisers have acted on what went wrong yesterday. A warm welcome.Barriers up meaning a quicker entry. More security on the gates. More staff on the inflatables. More seating put out. So far so good. Well done Big Day Out for listening to customers."

Leslie Mills added: "Yesterday was excellent. Yes there was learning points and improvements.

"Anyone can state: "I would have done this different". Truth is could you?"

Today there will be performances by bands including Noisettes and Lightning Seeds as well as appearances by the Gruffalo at the children's arena.

Anyone who would like to contact the organisers can do so by emailing info@bigdayoutfestival.com.

Let us know what you thought of the event by commenting below or tweeting us at @kent_online