Organisers behind an international-themed beer festival have apologised for disappointing potential punters after cancelling two Kent-based versions of the event.

Folkestone Harbour was set to become home to Oktoberfest on Friday 12 and Saturday, October 13, planning to bring authentic German food stalls and live entertainment, with a similar set up the weekend before in Tunbridge Wells.

Oktoberfest in Munich is the world's largest Volksfest - a combination of a beer festival and travelling funfair.

The showcase is held annually in Bavaria, Germany, and runs for up to 18 days from mid or late September to the first weekend in October.

More than six million people from around the world attend the event every year, donning lederhosen and dirndls, but a rise in popularity has meant more home-grown versions have sprung up across the UK in recent years.

But MEGA Events took the Facebook pages for the Kent events down after the company couldn't secure venues as intended.

Oliver Hooper, events manager for the Oktoberfestivals, part of MEGA events, said the events were publicised 'prospectively': "We had the event up online because we were hoping to put the event on in Folkestone.

"But there wasn't a venue that fit the specifications that we needed.

"We did have intention to go ahead with it but it never came off.

"We really did want to come. It was a hope that didn't materialise."

The organiser said that more than 8,000 people had said they were 'interested' in the Folkestone event on Facebook before it was deleted. He continued: "We never put tickets on sale but no doubt would have disappointed people and we are sorry about that."

But those excited by the prospect may only have to wait another 12 months. Mr Hooper said: "We do intend to come next year.

"Details will be going up early next year. Our events go from mid September to mid November."

The company spokesman confirmed that the Tunbridge Wells festival on Friday 5 and Saturday, October 6 was also cancelled under similar circumstances.

A specific location for this event was never revealed on the event websites, which also noted that a link for ticket sales would follow the events' announcements, but neither link was ever released.

The promotion for the weekends boasted German beers in steins, Oompah bands, pretzels, bratwurst as well as a Bavarian-style beer hall.

Another Oktoberfest is still going ahead in Maidstone at Moat Park, organised by Oktoberfest Official, on Friday 12 and Saturday, October 13.

Tickets are now limited, but available from www.oktoberfestofficial.com/maidstone