Millions tuned in to watch the greatest ever night for British athletics, when three gold medals were won within 45 minutes. But visitors to Brighton’s Big Screen were not so lucky.

As Jessica Ennis crossed the finish line to seal a fantastic heptathlon gold, the big screen by the beach was showing Dirty Dancing.

It meant instead of seeing Greg Rutherford’s leap secure long jump gold for the first time since 1964, spectators at the temporary instalment were being told nobody puts Baby in a corner.

The film, which began at 7.30pm, finished at about 9.40pm and was then switched over to the Games just as Mo Farah was winning gold in the 10,000m.

On the screen’s official Facebook page, Tracey Halpin said: “Shame the screen didn’t show the athletics – would have loved to watch the three golds on the seafront.”

Organisers have defended their decision to show the 1987 film on Super Saturday during one of the most memorable Olympics nights in British history.

A spokesman said the coverage from the Olympic Stadium was shown on two flat screen TVs in the marquee area of the 2,600 capacity venue.

He added: “The big screens showed the medal events and we had people cheering Mo Farah. We made announcements all through the evening and people were advised when arriving.

“We had people who made a special effort and we have advertised the film and put it out there. We could not disappoint those people.”

But organisers had shelved a karaoke night earlier in the week due to the Olympics’ popularity.

The Big Screen, which is located next to the West Pier and supported by Brighton and Hove City Council , will be showing films during the day this week with Olympics on in the evenings.