A BIG question mark hangs over the future of the Isle of Wight Festival after police and organisers failed to reach agreement over costs at a crucial licence hearing last night.

As a result of the dispute Island councillors were unable to grant a licence for an event that is expected to attract nearly 70,000 music lovers.

Councillors have agreed to adjourn the licence hearing until April 23 while festival promoters Solo and police continue negotiations over the cost of policing the event.

The hearing was told police had this year asked organisers for between £250,000 and £300,000 towards the cost of policing the event.

Last year the cost to Solo was £120,000.

Representing Solo, David Clifton said they were provided with a breakdown of police costs on March 14 and there had been insufficient time to consider that breakdown ahead of last night's hearing.

Under licensing laws the council must be assured that adequate policing would be provided before it could give the event the go-ahead.

This year Solo have applied for a three-year licence for the festival, to be headlined in June by the Sex Pistols, Kaiser Chiefs and The Police.

They have asked for permission for an extra 10,000 people to be allowed on the site, raising the capacity to 69,999.

Organiser John Giddings, who was unable to attend last night's hearing due to personal reasons, has said previously, however, the number of tickets on sale would remain 55,000 and the extra capacity was for additional staff and acts.

"I have been told by Solo that they have every wish to continue and conclude these negotiations because unless that happens the IW Festival is at risk," said Mr Clifton, who added that he thought an agreement could be reached.

"We do not want to be in this position and I sincerely believe that the police do not want to be either."

Inspector Terry Clawson told the hearing that on two occasions when speaking to Solo about the cost of policing the applicant "would not budge on their stance".

He agreed to continue negotiations ahead of next month's hearing.