The Manic Street Preachers have launched a stinging attack on the company which provided the catering at their New Year's Eve concert.

There were numerous complaints from fans who queued for hours as they tried to buy food and drink during the event at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Computer technician Steve Cottrell was among the fans who felt let down.

"The only thing I managed to drink all night was a cup of coffee - and they had run out of milk and sugar," Mr Cottrell told BBC Wales.

In a statement, the Manic Street Preachers and the promoters, SJM Concerts, criticised the catering firm, Letheby and Christopher.

The band and SJM said there were insufficient staff and stocks had been underestimated.

A spokesman for the rock group said the poor catering "should not reflect on the Manics' sincere aim to provide a memorable show".

Food and drink 'shortage'

Many of the 60,000 fans reported queuing for more than an hour for food or drinks - only to find shortages and high prices.

SJM Concerts said the catering firm had given them assurances over the running of the stadium's bars and food outlets.

BBC Wales was unable to contact a representative from Letheby and Christopher on Friday for a response to the criticism.

Concert broke records

The concert had been billed as the largest ever by a band from Wales.

The Manic Street Preachers performed hits including If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next and A Design For Life as the clocked ticked towards the new millennium.

Despite the problems, the Manic's lead singer, James Dean Bradfield, described the concert as "the best night of our lives.