Bucks Fizz star David Van Day is tussling with a concert venue which is refusing to hand over money after his Christmas spectacular fell flat.

So many people walked out of the show that organisers have been holding back part of the fee to cover the cost of refunds.

Singer David, 43, who lives in Hove, was playing with his revived act at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells, warming up the crowd for headliners Boney M and Abba Gold in the pop extravaganza.

But because of a mix-up in the schedules, Boney M's singer left the venue and did not return until an hour after his group was due to hit the stage.

Crowds voted with their feet and some of the 650 people who had splashed out £14.50 for their tickets took to their heels.

David said: "I was on time and as far as I'm concerned it went really well.

"There was some sort of misunderstanding with Boney M's start time and the lead singer went off and either got stuck in the Christmas traffic or went for a bite to eat.

"There was a very late start to the second half because he just wasn't around.

"I know there was some aggro but we were on time and it was a good show. They had better pay up."

Brian McAteer, general manager of the Assembly Hall, said: "We have an accepted standard of quality and it's fair to say the tribute evening did not match up with that.

"The performances were of variable quality to such an extent it was delayed for about an hour.

"I wouldn't say it was a complete disaster but certainly the number of refunds we have given has been greater than usual.

"A number of people left on the evening and were given their money back immediately.

"We're holding on to a percentage of the fee to cover the cost of refunds we have made and applications for refunds, which we continue to receive.

"We would have to think very carefully before booking this show again."

Promoter John Hessenthaler, who manages the three acts, was unavailable for comment.