The report, commissioned by Mendip District Council and the festival organisers, also collected information from local businesses.

BBC: Glastonbury 2007 'generated ?73m'

But the leader of East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) Doreen Stephenson, said the SO Festival was a great success in both Skegness and other parts of the district.

BBC: SO Festival in Skegness 'a waste of money'

"We've always recognised that Glastonbury Festival is an important event for our district and the country, but have never been able to judge just how important it is, " Mr Siggs said.

BBC: Glastonbury 2007 'generated ?73m'

"The Arts Development Council did a survey on the audience and the programme numbers of different art forms, and Chinese opera is one of the most popular arts in Hong Kong, " said Louis Yu Kwok-lit, executive director, performing arts of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, who is planning the Bamboo Theatre festival.

BBC: Cantonese opera pop-up whets Hong Kong��s appetite for art

The vessel was carrying nearly three times its recommended limit of 74 passengers, including many indigenous tribal palm oil and timber workers returning to their home villages for a harvest festival holiday, said Bakar Sibau, a district police chief in Malaysia's Sarawak state.

NPR: Ferry Capsizes In Malaysian River, 21 Missing