Trains from a station near an open-air concert series were stopped early due to health and safety concerns, rail bosses have confirmed.

Thousands flocked to Stanmer Park last week to enjoy music by Paulo Nutini, Tom Jones and others but found nearby Falmer station was closed from 9pm.

This early closure was planned and announced, as reported in The Argus.

Rail bosses have confirmed that the station was closed due to overcrowding concerns after conversations with the organisers of the event.

One concert attendee who watched Paolo Nutini on Saturday said: “They said there would be no trains after 9pm, we had to trudge to Moulsecoombe to get the train.

“Once we got on the train it stopped at Falmer anyway even though it was supposed to be shut.

“I don’t understand why they can’t run trains for the concert when the trains run after the football games and there are much bigger numbers there.”

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Falmer railway station was closed from 9pm last week on multiple days to coincide with the Brighton Valley Concert Series taking place at Stanmer Park.

The concert was headlined by Tom Jones, Paolo Nutini, N Dubz and Nile Rogers.

Falmer station is also used on matchdays for Brighton and Hove Albion fans looking to head to the Amex Stadium from the city centre.

A Southern spokeswoman confirmed that the decision was made in line with conversations with organisers of the festival and was the “safest thing to do”.

The rail company added that they have a longstanding relationship with Brighton and Hove Albion which allows them to open Falmer station for football matches but do not yet have this in place with other events such as the Brighton Valley Concert Series.

The same early closure measures will be in place for Boundary Festival at Stanmer Park in September which will be headlined by Subfocus.

Stephen MacCallaugh, Head of Stations for Southern Rail, said: “Our decision to close Falmer station for departures was due to safety reasons to avoid overcrowding.

“The decision was supported by the council and we worked closely with the event organisers to share the message with customers ahead of time.

“We always try to support local events where we can and look forward to working with Brighton Valley Series in the future.”