Rage after UB40 cancel Uptown Festival show in Norwich

Some at Uptown Festival at Earlham Park only found out that UB40 featuring Ali Campbell was no longer performing, despite being due on stage at 8.30pm, through an Instagram post by the band earlier in the afternoon.

Others said that they were not told at all.

Martin Kemp performed a DJ set for the crowds (Image: Newsquest)

Event organisers were informed that the act had cancelled due to Ali Campbell being unwell that afternoon.

The cancellation has left furious festival-goers, some of who paid £60 per ticket, demanding refunds. But the organisers have stated that attendees will not be getting their money back.

Tanny Read from Costessey has called on UB40 featuring Ali Campbell to give ticketholders refunds (Image: Tanny Read)

Dean Brennan, from Bardwell near Great Yarmouth, said that ticketholders should get a share of the money that UB40 featuring Ali Campbell would have been paid for the event.

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"I appreciate that things change, but it was so badly organised with no backup plan and no additional live music.

"Many people left the event early after waiting in between the limited artists and the DJ sets.

"Some people must have travelled long distances to see the actual UB40, not a tribute band, and must have been really frustrated."

Ali Campbell cancelled the show after falling severely unwell (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

"The band should be responsible for refunds," said Tanny Read, from Costessey.

"Some people probably only bought tickets because of the legacy of UB40.

"It has been shockingly handled."

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Crowds gathered around the main stage (Image: Newsquest)

The organisers of Uptown Festival said that they were alerted at 1.30pm on Sunday that "due to severe sickness" Ali Campbell was unable to travel and UB40 was no longer able to perform at the show.

"We are sorry some fans of UB40 were disappointed, however, we cannot offer refunds for the event," a spokeswoman for Uptown Festival said.

"Uptown festival tickets were purchased by everyone, not UB40 show tickets, and Uptown Festival still went ahead otherwise in full, with the majority of ticket holders having a great day of music and family entertainment.

"It is a one-day festival and not a headliner with a support show.

"The UB40 Feat Ali Campbell last-minute cancellation was due to circumstances completely beyond anyone’s control.

"UB40 Feat Ali Campbell are also booked to play at the next Uptown Event on Sunday, July 7th at Rochester Castle and we are assuming Ali will happily be recovered by then."

The event promoters have said that those looking to make contact should reach out to info@thefestivalcrowd.com. All enquiries are being responded to there.