A MAJOR health and fitness festival due to take place later this month in Bournemouth has been cancelled.

The FitLiving event, which held its first show last year, will not take place now due to "last minute issues" say organisers.

It was due to take place on September 28 and 29, with a host of fitness and health brands and celebrities promised.

A pop-up restaurant and bar area serving healthy options was also due to take place along with a fitness networking event called Fitbiz.

Last year, Darcey Bussell held a class at the show, which attracted 7,000 people to the beachside location.

In a statement, the organisers said: "It is with huge disappointment that we are announcing the cancellation of this year’s FitLiving UK event in September.

"We were committed to making the show a success, however, last minute issues beyond our control had a big impact on how we wanted the show to look and feel, leaving us with no choice other than to make the difficult decision to cancel the event.

"Sponsors, exhibitors and suppliers have all been contacted – and ticket holders have been emailed with information on refunds.

"We are very grateful to the fitness lovers, our partners, sponsors, exhibitors, suppliers and the local authority that have supported FitLiving UK over the past two years.

"Thank you all for the support."

All ticketholders have been refunded.

Last year X Factor star Chico Slimani led his dance, combat, HIIT and yoga-inspired fitness class, Blockfit, on the main stage on Saturday morning.

The class was one of over 50 taking place over the weekend.

This year promised morning yoga, beach bootcamp, pilates and meditation in the beach area as well as popular and celebrity-led classes ranging from Les Mills and HIIT to dance and boxing.