IT WAS expected to be one of the biggest events of the Hampshire music calendar.

But organisers of the highly-anticipated Downtown festival have had to cancel the event due to poor ticket sales.

Due to take place in six venues around Southampton on April 30, the replacement for Soundclash Festival had big names on its bill, including Rudimental, Gorgon City and Tom Zanetti.

The big names failed to catch the imagination of local clubgoers, and the decision to cancel the event was made just after 12 noon today.

Organisers have promised that all the acts scheduled to play will perform at Switch Nightclub, one of the venues, at later dates.

A post on the Facebook page read: “A regretfully next Sunday's Downtown event has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. The decision has been made to use the acts at a later date at Switch.

“We apologise for the inconvenience. Everyone will get a full refund!

“On a positive note you can still use your proof of purchase to gain free entry to Switch next Saturday for Latmun and Mele or Oceana's Foam town on the Sunday!

“The incredibly talented Youngr will still be playing his live set at orange rooms from 10pm on Sunday night. We hope to see you there!

“Once again please accept our most sincerest apology for any conscience caused. We hope to see you on the dance floor very soon!”

Organisers added refunds would take 5-7 working days.