Over 50 people were turned away from a vintage film night after it was 'overwhelmingly oversubscribed'. 

A screening of vintage films at Liston Hall was the place to be in Marlow on Tuesday, July 25, as over 50 people were forced to queue up outside the 100-capacity venue before being turned away due to oversubscription.

Chris Danniells said there were nearly a dozen people waiting in front of him when it was announced that capacity had been reached in the hall and that there would be no further admissions. 

He added: "There were another 50 or 60 people behind me who had already parked but were turned away.

"This was very disappointing to all of us - more planning needs to be done when organising events like this." 

In response to Chris, Adam Baxter, chair of The Marlow Society who organised the event, said one of the reasons Liston Hall had been chosen as a venue was because the car park was free after 7pm.

Adding: "Until now, we had not felt the need for ticketing since we had more than enough space for those who wished to attend our talks, but this experience has convinced us of the need."

Dave Part, vice chairman of Marlow Museum, also described the event as "overwhelmingly oversubscribed" with a queue that stretched "right the length of the car park".

Would-be attendees were hoping to see vintage films celebrating 150 years of the Bourne End to Marlow railway line, many taken from the collection of British businessman and railway enthusiast Sir William McAlpine.

The event, which had previously been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, also had on display a number of rare photographs of the 'Marlow Donkey' train and the whistle blown by station supervisor Mabel Buckell every day between 1915 and 1940.

Michael Eagleton, who helped to plan the showing, confirmed that another, similar event would be held in conjunction with National Heritage Day on September 9 in the Royal Legion Hall in Marlow.

"We're planning to run the videos on a loop all day so people can come and go. I thought people would find the event interesting but it was embarrassing that so many had to wait outside. Hopefully, everyone who wants to can come to the September showing - more details to follow!"