A two-day jubilee celebration of live music and fireworks has been cancelled because of poor ticket sales.

The Platinum Jubilee Prom Picnic and Tribute was set to take place at Quex Park in Birchington this summer, with the National Symphony Orchestra among those performing.

But organiser Stephen Wyatt - the director of Kent Events - says he has had to make the difficult decision to cancel the spectacle, which was scheduled for June 4 and 5.

"It is with a very sad heart that despite all our very best efforts, that due to surprisingly low-ticket sales I have taken the very difficult decision to cancel the Prom and Tribute at Quex Park as it is clear that it will not make enough sales to make the event viable.

"We have not sold enough tickets to even cover the cost of the stage and orchestra.

"That together with paying deposits has meant that to continue with the event would mean that Kent Events would not survive, and I have to consider my employees and those we support through our business."

Mr Wyatt says he had hoped a traditional prom and tribute to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee would have inspired the public to participate.

"It is clear the willingness is just not there," he added.

"When we started on this project, Europe was not on the verge of war, there was no talk of gas and electricity more than doubling, and fuel was still a reasonable cost.

"I can only presume that these factors have prevented the public from participating."

Mr Wyatt says he did not believe there was any realistic chance of ticket sales picking up to such a degree that the event became viable.

On Saturday, June 4, the National Symphony Orchestra was due to perform classical numbers from their extensive back-catalogue.

They were to be joined by the stars from Simon & Garfunkel Story from the West End, charity choir the Manwood Singers from Sandwich, Neil Duncan as the legendary Dean Martin and soprano singer Annette Wardell.

A spectacular fireworks finale was due to round off the night.

The following day, Quex Park was set to open its gates again for a tribute concert, with artists paying homage to their favourite singers and rock legends.

The line-up included Bon Giovi, Niqi Brown as Tina Turner, Queen tribute band Majesty and George Michael tribute band Beyond Faith.

Kent Events will be giving customers full refunds, and will be contacting them shortly about the reimbursements.

Mr Wyatt said: "Please be assured everyone will get their money back in full and I will work as quickly as I can, but I am only one person so I ask for your patience."