Safety concerns forced a Kent theatre to cancel a number of shows – but a further one due to take place tonight is to go ahead.

Events featuring comedian Al Murray and kmfm DJ Tony Blackburn were scrapped at short notice as they were set to appear at Margate Winter Gardens in Thanet, due to an issue with the venue's ceiling.

But Bongo's Bingo, set to be held tonight (Saturday), is set to go ahead as planned.

Your Leisure, which operates the venue, said concerns were raised a couple of days prior to a scheduled inspection.

"The contractor advised referring the concerns to a specialist concrete consultant to complete a bespoke inspection," it says.

"The specialist was booked immediately to come out at the earliest time possible.

"When they arrived at the venue on Thursday it was discovered that water damage from a leak in the roof had caused minor weaknesses in a part of the backstage ceiling.

"As a precautionary measure, the decision was made to cancel the two events that required full stage use and extensive backstage access whilst a further, more in-depth survey and remedial works, which aim to complete midway into next week, are carried out."

Al Murray was set to perform his show Landlord of Hope and Glory in Thanet this evening.

The same problems affected Tony Blackburn's BBC Radio 2's Sounds of the 60s show last night which was cancelled hours before it was set to start.

The kmfm DJ tweeted the statement and commented: "Rather sad news for this evening's show. I was just about to set out to go to Margate then we had a message from the theatre, and here it is.

"We are all so sorry about this but we will get to Margate. As soon as we know the new date we will let you know. We are so disappointed."

Fans have been angered by the late notice for both shows.

Kevin Fordham, managing director of Your Leisure, said: "We sincerely apologise for the disruption caused by the late cancellation of these events and the decision was not taken lightly.

"We share the disappointment of the ticket holders, artists and team at Margate Winter Gardens and would like to thank everyone involved for their patience and understanding at this time."

Paul Palmer, head of hospitality and entertainment, added: "From all of us at the venue, we send our apologies to those customers who were affected by the cancelled shows, and we all share in your disappointment.

"Our team are working with the promoters to reschedule the missed performances.

"Our primary focus was making sure that the backstage area is safe for artists, touring crew and staff, and it is with their safety in mind, we cancelled the performances as a precautionary measure."

Bosses at the venue say Bongo's Bingo is able to go ahead as planned as the event will not need to use the backstage area and a safety curtain will be in place.

Further updates on the maintenance work will be made next week once the survey report has been completed.

Ticket holders can contact the venue box office team via 03333 660 661 or email boxoffice@yourleisure.uk.com.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet