Organisers of a star-studded music festival for students at Canterbury Christ Church University have been forced to defend themselves after criticism the initial line-up was “all white and all male”.

The Summer Ball is the biggest social event held at the university each year, with more than 1,600 students attending a show which last year featured the likes of Scouting For Girls, Radio 1’s Scott Mills and Amelia Lily.

But when the initial line-up for this year’s show was revealed, many students vowed to snub the event.

Stars revealed by the Student Union included chart-topper Professor Green, Super Hans from comedy series Peep Show, and Mullally. Discounted ‘early bird’ tickets are on sale now.

Rebecca Sheeres, a multimedia journalism student, said the line-up displayed a worrying lack of diversity.

She said: “The announcement of the whitewashed, all-male Summer Ball line-up has left a bitter taste in the mouths of their students.

“The line-up should be varied from the beginning and I would never buy a ticket unless that was evident.

“Diversity is so important, especially at university where you are meant to feel equal to your counterparts. How does the university expect to engage students with their events if they do not feel represented?

“By only using white men to sell the early bird tickets it gives the impression that women and black people don’t sell.”

The university’s Student Union (CCSU) insists the full line-up has yet to be revealed but admitted it may have got things wrong.

In a statement it said: “Some students have pointed out that it doesn’t reflect the diverse and inclusive nature of CCSU.

“We accept that in hindsight that’s true especially when compared to last year’s event where we had a more varied line-up.

“We can assure you that when the full line-up is released it will be more diverse as we always aim to have variety to our acts at the ball.

“The fact is that nothing can be assumed and in all walks of life, especially entertainment, women are underrepresented."

Added to the line-up since the announcement is Lucy Spraggan - an openly gay female solo artist who shot to fame on the X Factor.

The Summer Ball takes place on May 19 for students, staff and guests.

Read Rebecca Sheeres full article here.