Worthing's answer to Glastonbury has been cancelled at the 11th hour due to safety fears.

Worthing’s Big Screen (WBS) was due to broadcast the legendary festival live to up to 500 fans from the Sussex seafront this weekend.

But a last-minute intervention by the town’s borough council has forced the organisers to pull the plug.

In a statement, WBS said: “We are deeply saddened by this news and even sadder that so many people who wanted to see the festival next weekend at the Worthing’s Big Screen summer event will now not be able to.”

The event was due to take place on Worthing seafront from June 28 until June 29, with 100 sq ft outdoor screen with coverage of Glastonbury.

Concerns for the event were raised in late May, when Worthing’s Safety Advisory Group said the numbers of people attending the event raised fire safety concerns.

It was agreed that daily event numbers would be reduced from 480 to 350 and that a fence panel would be removed from nearby Sand Courts to create another fire exit.

But Worthing Borough Council rejected permission to remove the fence panel.

On June 17, a meeting was held between councillors and Worthing’s Safety Advisory Group regarding the refusal but no solution was found.

Speaking on Facebook, one disappointed ticket holder Diana Moon, said: “What a very great shame. Now that so many theatres are bringing their shows to a wider audience by live transmissions, it is a pity that Worthing couldn’t have done the same.

“A very big thank you to the organisers for all their efforts.”

WBS said: “Unfortunately an event like this has to be pre-funded by ticket sales to place deposits down for event equipment.

“If we were able to continue this event for free we would, but regardless of funding there were still issues that are unclear relating to the Safety Advisory Group refusing permission to use the Sand Courts for this event.”

The event was also going include performances from live bands, DJs, food stalls and a mini beer festival featuring special festival beers from local microbreweries throughout Sussex.

For the hundreds of people who have bought tickets, full refunds will be issued.

Full details will be posted on Facebook during the next few days.

Worthing Borough Council were unable for comment yesterday but are due to issue a statement today.