Winchestival in the Guildhall has been cancelled at short notice

Organisers of Winchestival, who worked in partnership with the Guildhall events team, announced the decision after the lead singer of the headline act was unable to perform.

Blaine Harrison, of the Mystery Jets, had to go into hospital for urgent treatment which required an operation. A statement from the event team said as a result the Hammersmith-born musician requires several months for recover and will not be well enough to tour for the rest of the year.

Winchesterival was set to deliver a host a variety of live music from up-and-coming artists from across Hampshire in the Bapsy Hall and Wintonian Bar of the Guildhall.

A statement posted on the event's Facebook page said: "We were very excited to be welcoming you to Winchester’s first indoor music festival this Friday September 27, however we are deeply saddened to have to tell you that the event has now been cancelled."

It added: "The urgent treatment means that the band have had to postpone or cancel all remaining dates for 2019.

"This event was a year one independent festival, put together by Winchestival, alongside the Guildhall in Winchester

"With a week to go, we are simply unable to book a replacement in time and thus ensure that the festival were to be a success.

"Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the festival.

"We are disappointed to do this and know how much you were looking forward to it, and whilst not an easy decision, its sadly the right one."

Organisers said there are no immediate plans to reschedule. Ticket holders were advised that they should have received an email explaining the process of a refund as per their individual terms and conditions.

A post on Mystery Jets' social media from Mr Harrison said the band had "reluctantly decided" to postpone the release of their new album, which had been set to come out at the end of this month, and their UK tour until next year.