A FAKE ticket warning has been issued ahead of a major festival set to hit Prestwich in just over one week's time.

With 70,000 people set to pack into Heaton Park for Parklife Weekender on June 6 and June 7 to enjoy top-draw acts such as Disclosure and Fatboy Slim, organisers have been given a headache during their final preparations.

Event bosses say they have received reports of many counterfeit tickets changing hands and it is understood police are investigating the source of the fakes.

The main concern is that hundreds of revellers could arrive at the event and be left disappointed and out of pocket when stewards reveal their tickets are not genuine.

The problem is being taken so seriously that Parklife staff have sent out an e-mail to more than 100,000 people on its mailing list on Tuesday, urging them to shun fake tickets.

It read: "We've had multiple reports of fake tickets in circulation.

"Please do not buy a Parklife 2015 ticket from any unofficial channel.

"A fake or duplicate ticket will not get you into the festival.

"Please note, tickets are non transferable."

Ticket touts often try to profit from sold-out music festivals, selling legitimate tickets at inflated prices.

But Parklife has not sold out, so fraudsters have resorted to producing fake tickets and selling them up to £20 cheaper than official tickets.

Another increasingly common tactic is scammers buying genuine tickets, choosing the 'print at home' option and then printing multiple copies and selling them on. Only the first person to use the paper tickets would gain entry.

Parklife organiser Jon Drape said: "We have a new ticketing company this year and they have a very good system in place.

"We can't say too much about the technology they are using, but we are confident that it will ensure that only people with genuine tickets will gain entry and that entry will be as fast as we can.

"While our systems will be ready to work well, we are relying on people to buy genuine tickets, which are still available through the Parklife website."

Over the course of the weekend, more than 120 staff will be based at Manchester Maccabi Sports and Social Club in Bury Old Road, operating a community liaison centre, which neighbours will be able to phone, e-mail and visit to flag up problems related to the festival.

* Next week's Guide will include a full rundown of festival plans, including details of telephone helpline, public transport, parking, and soundcheck times.