AN investigative committee met for the first time yesterday to find out why the biggest dance festival planned for the region was cancelled at the eleventh hour.

The sub-committee was formed by Newcastle City Council to look into the organisation of the Radio 1 Love Parade, which should have been held in the city last Saturday.

The parade was cancelled because the council could not satisfy the police or its own licensing committee that it would be safe. Problems included parking and stewarding.

The committee will examine the reasons why the parade was cancelled and scrutinise officers' actions. It will also examine the costs to the taxpayer.