A music festival that had billed itself as a drug and alcohol-free zone has been cancelled due to a lack of interest.

Ozone Festival was due to start today in Headcorn and carry on over the weekend.

It would have featured performances by folk, rock and reggae bands and sets by DJs including Phats and Small, responsible for 1999 hit Turn Around, and Andy Mac, who regularly plays in Ibiza.

But the event has been cancelled at the last minute.

A statement on the event's Facebook page now says: "It is with great regret that we are having to cancel this year's Ozone Festival due to insufficient ticket sales.

"For all of you who felt inspired by our event and bought tickets, we are extremely grateful.

"We are still dedicated to the vision of a genuinely drug and alcohol-free festival, but may have to start out as a smaller camp or gathering."

Organisers had been proud of the alcohol and drug ban, which they said set them apart from other festivals.

Visitors were encouraged instead to enjoy a natural high created by the event’s atmosphere.

Spokesman Oliver Bach told the Kent Messenger earlier this week: "Throughout the festival circuit there’s one thing they all have in common – alcohol.

“We wanted to create a festival without the distraction of alcohol and the wonderful world of Ozone was born. Ozone is a world where you can truly let go, a world where everyone is on the same elevated level.

“A place for family, a safe environment for both relaxation or partying into the night. A beautiful space thriving with creativity for you to revel in and enjoy. The unique world of Ozone.

“Any person consuming alcohol, illegal substances or “legal highs” will be asked to leave the event by security teams. There will be no second chances.”

Gypsy, Balkan, big beat and swing music were due to be provided by Gypsy Hill, while BaByHeAd would have offered dub rock and reggae, and folk would have come courtesy of Seize the Day.

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