Harlow Council says every booking is being checked to make sure tickets have only been reserved by people living in the town, with “zero tolerance” for attempts to circumvent the system.
A spokesperson said: “This is Harlow’s Town Show, brought back for Harlow people, and we’ll have zero tolerance for any attempt to circumvent that.
“Anyone that has tried will have their tickets cancelled and reissued to Harlow residents.”
The council has also issued a firm warning that any attempt to sell tickets is fraudulent, stressing that the event is completely free for Harlow residents.
In a statement, the council said: “A warning: the Town Show is completely free.
“Anyone attempting to sell tickets is a scammer and a fraud.
“Any tickets found to have been advertised for sale will be cancelled immediately, and those involved in selling or buying them will be banned from attending.”
Despite the clampdown, tickets can still be reserved online and the council is urging genuine residents to book for the August Bank Holiday festival at Town Park.
The show is being billed as the biggest and most spectacular Town Show Harlow has ever seen, with an “incredible programme of live music” across two stages, including chart-topping pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor and DJ Tom Zanetti, alongside a packed mix of family entertainment, attractions, and community activities.
Some individual events within the Town Show are currently showing as sold out, but the council says residents should not be put off.
Once verification checks are complete, a further release of tickets will be made available.
“If your chosen event is currently showing as sold out, don’t worry,” the council said.
“A further release of tickets will be made available once the verification process is complete.
“Watch this space.”
With more than 50,000 tickets reserved on the first day, tens of thousands of Harlow residents are expected to pack into Town Park across the bank holiday weekend.
Summing up the response, the council’s statement concludes: “More than 50,000 tickets reserved on the first day.
“Tens of thousands of Harlow residents.
“A packed Town Park.
“Incredible memories.
“This is what Building Harlow’s Future looks like.”