Three major concerts featuring artists including Artful Dodger and Atomic Kitten have been cancelled.

The decision to axe the shows - organised to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Worthing's Seafront Fayre - was taken after only 500 tickets were sold.

Organisers needed to sell at least 3,000 to make the concerts at Beach House Park a financial success but were undermined by lack of public interest.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, backed by Worthing Choral Society, was due to perform on Thursday, July 26.

On Friday Alvin Stardust, Jason Donovan and several tribute bands had been booked for a Seventies and Eighties night.

On Saturday, Atomic Kitten and Artful Dodger had been expected to take to the stage.

Tickets cost between £10 and £15, but just a week before the concerts, organisers pulled the plug following an emergency meeting.

Sue Murray, chairman of Worthing Hospitality Association, said: "They have had only 500 responses for tickets and they needed 3,000 to make it a going concern.

"They had to make the decision to cancel. It is such a shame. It was a very ambitious attempt. Perhaps it would have been wiser for them to have just done one concert."

Despite the setback, a series of other events will be held including displays by the Royal Marines, a promenade funfair, a bus rally, a torchlit procession, a fireworks display and a custom car show.

The fayre attracts about 250,000 people to Worthing.