Organisers of the Y Not Festival have scrapped plans for a zombie dressing up theme after parents said their children would be "frightened to death".
However, organisers now face a backlash after making the decision over the annual festival at Pikehall, Matlock from August 1 - 3.
Concern was raised on the festival's Facebook page.
Hayley Lisser said she felt the theme was not suitable.
She said: "Me and my friends have been bringing our kids for the last four years and they are still quite young being five to eight years old.
"I hate to be a party pooper.
"We are not loving the theme this year.
"Organisers have not given much thought to families I don't think."
Jo Twinkle also took to Facebook to voice her opposition.
She said: "I didn't see anyone vote for zombies. It is not good for the kids at all. Can we have a rethink please?"
But Amy Donohoe disagreed with the decision to scrap the theme.
She said: "Children are scared of nothing these days.
"I imagine it is only a minority of parents who feel their children would be frightened of this."
Ralph Broadbent, one of the festival directors, said: "We originally chose zombies because there was a portion of festival goers who were keen on the idea. However, after announcing it, we realised that based on feedback, that it wasn't appropriate for some of the families who were coming to the event.
"We're going to make sure our new theme allows for everyone to be involved – the more people the better."
This year's festival is gearing up for its biggest show ever after adding folk-punk star Frank Turner to its main stage headliners.
Dizzie Rascal, Sleeping Souls and The Fratellis will also be on the bill.
