A live music event in the South Downs has been cancelled with just a week to go.

Wiston Summer Sounds was due to welcome a range of stars, including Craig David, Katherine Jenkins and Soft Cell to the grounds of Wiston House, near Steyning.

However, organisers said they were “heartbroken” to have to cancel the event due to “unexpected circumstances”, with ticketholders promised full refunds.

They said: “It’s with great disappointment that due to unexpected circumstances which have had a significant impact on our planning, working tirelessly to explore every possible avenue to make the concerts work in their current form, unfortunately, we will be unable to proceed with Wiston Summer Sounds 2023.

“Customers will receive full refunds - you will receive an email from our ticket agents to confirm.

“Thank you very much to everyone who purchased tickets and made plans to come to year one of Wiston Summer Sounds.

“We’re devastated it hasn’t been possible and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment caused.”

Organisers also said it had been “a very tough year launching a new open-air event” and thanked ticketholders for their patience “whilst we work through this difficult time”.