| Bailiffs stripped the bar and seized equipment at AFC Newbury yesterday morning, plunging the town’s forthcoming comedy festival into chaos just days before it opens.
The Corn Exchange had booked eight comedians to appear at the football club – which starts on Saturday – but bailiffs have removed the furniture from the clubhouse, sparking a flurry for a replacement venue.
The seizure came just after Vodafone announced a new sponsorship deal, thought to be worth £5,000, with the Faraday Road club now in desperate need of cash to release the equipment removed.
The acts at risk are Steve Oram, Alex Horne, Robin Ince, Howard Read, DJ Danny, Katy Brand, Chris Neill, and Ava Vidal. Festival promoters are trying to contact the club to assess the situation, before taking further action. | 
