Bendigo’s biggest music festival has been renamed “queue in the moo”, after a line-up stretching half a kilometre and waiting times of up to three hours ruined the day for many.

Facebook was flooded with messages calling for changes, with many deciding not to attend next year’s event.

Almost 400 followers signed up to fan pages including “Groovin’ the Line, Not Groovin’ the Moo” and “I Did Not Jump the Queue at Groovin’ the Moo.”

One follower, Hannah Winiecki, said the event had not been worth the money she paid after forking out almost $100 for a ticket.

“Waited in line for three hours and missed six bands is disgraceful. Disappointed in you GTM,” her post read.

Dozens of emails were also received by the Bendigo Advertiser from readers expressing frustration at a lack of organisation, with many demanding refunds.

Golden Square resident Jacinta Harrison ruled out a return visit after waiting with her two young daughters for more than three hours.

“We arrived a 12.15 and couldn’t get in until 3.30pm – a pity when the only act one of my daughters wanted to see was Lisa Mitchell who performed at 2.30. Will definitely be the first and last GTM we go to,” Mrs Harrison said.

Others outlined the need for more staff and security and asked whether the event had been oversold as ticket sales grew by 5000 on last year.

Cattleyard Promotions representative Stephen Halpin expressed his “deepest apologies” and promised changes in the layout for next year.

“I’m extremely sorry to anyone that was stuck in the queue while waiting to attend Groovin’ the Moo,” he said.

“We had hired additional staff in an attempt to address extra numbers, but did not anticipated such a large influx of people at noon.

“I think there’s a need to hire a lot more staff to help speed up the queue as well as implementing another entry point to the festival.”

When asked whether the company would consider refunds, Mr Halpin said each case would be considered individually and would make no further comment.

He also said feedback from inside the event had been positive and that issues were largely related to external problems surrounding the event.

At one point Bendigo police were needed to co-ordinate the queue after it stretched across the railway line in Holdsworth Road.

Police Sergeant Jamie Ward agreed the queuing system adopted by event management had created public order problems.