Chaos at Isle of Wight: Bad Weather Rains on Music Festival

The second day of the three-day Isle of Wight music festival has turned into an organisational nightmare after heavy rain and mudslides wreaked havoc. The event, headlined by Pearl Jam, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, has attracted more than 50,000 people.

"Revellers were left stuck on ferries floating in the Solent and police were forced to escort 300 motorists to a nearby football club where shelter and refreshments were provided after more than 10 hours queuing in their vehicles," the Guardian said.

Organisers said they would refund unused tickets; some people paid as much as £190 for a three-day camping ticket.

"There are lots of rumours circulating about ticket refunds and we just wanted to clarify," said organisers.

"The situation has been resolved and it is possible for everyone to access the site and enjoy the festival," a message on their Twitter account read.

"It looks like a battlefield. There is so much mud, suspicious-smelling mud at that, full of abandoned shoes, jumpers, tents - it is utter carnage," 27-year-old Ellie Hawks said.

"Worst experience ever," said festival-goer Sonia Waters on her Facebook page. "Bought me and my sister weekend camping tickets as a treat. 13hrs of queueing, seeing people come back from the site as mud man was the final straw."

Organisers were forced to open extra fields and lay metal tracks so vehicles could be directed to overflow car parks. Many had to be towed through the mud.

"We did everything within our power but as soon as that 24-hour rain came down it became horrendous. I'm really very sorry, I can only apologise. I know there's a couple of hundred still out there. It's going to be a great weekend - don't give up on us," festival organiser John Giddings said.