MOONFEST's opening night, which was due to be headlined by Pete Doherty, has been cancelled amid safety fears.

Police have won a court order to cancel the first night of the hotly anticipated Moonfest concert in Westbury on Friday after it was discovered that there would only be 10 trained security staff to monitor a potential crowd of 5,000.

Superintendent Paul Williams, based at Melksham police station, said: "There have been some concerns that disorder could take place and public safety could be compromised. Public safety is our number one priority."

One particular concern followed Pete Doherty's performance at London's Royal Albert Hall on July 12 when hundreds of fans stormed the stage to mob the Babyshambles frontman.

"At the same time we were planning our police operation for Moonfest.

Obviously it led to us having some concerns and scrutinising every element carefully," said Supt Williams.

In relation to Moonfest he said: "We.have been presented with very little evidence that the organisers have the experience, training or qualifications to run an event of this type which could attract 5,000 people.

"One particular concern is that guidance recommends one Security Industry Authorised (SIA) accredited steward should be on duty for every 100 people attending. Therefore, for an event licensed for 5,000 people we would expect a minimum of 50 stewards, but there was only a provision made for ten.

"In addition there is a sterile area between the stage and crowd known as a pit. The pit should have trained and experienced stewards there but no provisions were made for any stewards.

"These 10 accredited stewards are supposed to be covering everything."

Organiser John Green was granted a licence for 5,000 people to attend the Moonfest celebrations by West Wiltshire District Council last month.

According to police, the St John Ambulance has since pulled out expressing its concerns.

Police took the organisers to Chippenham magistrates' court on Monday under section 160 of the Licensing Act 2003 Supt Williams said: "We could have closed the whole event but that seemed very draconian to us and unfair. Under Section 160 it enabled us to make an application to magistrates if we fear disorder may occur.

"Having all the evidence as the situation stands now, the magistrates decided that disorder was likely to occur and therefore they made the closure order."

Police were also concerned that no detailed site map had been made available, apart from aerial photographs.

Supt Williams said: "All these things have caused us concern. It is not just about Pete Doherty; it is about the profile of his fan base. There is a concern about the type of fan that follows this sort of artist."

The Wiltshire Times has been unable to speak to Mr Green as his phone was turned off.

The event will start from 11am on Saturday August 30.