One of the home-grown stars of Kent's Lounge on the Farm festival has pulled out.

Poet and artist Billy Childish, and his band Musicians of the British Empire, was one of the most eagerly awaited performers lined up to appear at Merton Farm near Canterbury this month.

Mr Childish, who lives in Medway, confirmed that he was unable to attend due to ‘matters of a personal nature’.

A statement on the festival website reads: “We send him our best wishes, and have been assured that the Musicians Of The British Empire will be back for '09 to make things better.

Lounge on the Farm runs from July 11 to 13 and was last year dubbed one of the best boutique festivals in the UK by The Times.

Taking place on a working organic farm, more than 160 acts are scheduled to appear over the weekend, including legendary punk band The New York Dolls, The Coral and Black Kids.

For more information, visit www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk