A Bournemouth beach festival has been cancelled over "unresolved challenges" relating to the licence.

Organisers of High Tide Festival have cancelled the event due to take place for the first time on July 1 and 2 on Bournemouth beach.

In a statement today, they said: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the cancellation of High Tide Festival, due to take place on July 1st and 2nd 2022 on Bournemouth Beach.

"We know this will come as an enormous disappointment and is not a decision we wanted to make or have taken lightly.

Bournemouth Echo: High Tide Festival in Bournemouth is cancelledHigh Tide Festival in Bournemouth is cancelled

"Putting on this event has been a labour of love and our vision was to deliver a spectacular festival which the town deserves.

"Unfortunately, with unresolved challenges relating to the licence for the event with Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council, we are no longer able to deliver what is required within the time remaining."

Read more: Licensing committee at BCP Council to decide on beach booze licences

All tickets will be automatically refunded via point of purchase.

They added: "We’re working closely with our ticketing partners and they will be in touch directly with further information on the refund process.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who purchased tickets and for sharing our vision of what the show could have been.

"It is our firm belief that Bournemouth does need a show like this and we will be drawing up new plans to deliver our ambitions, perhaps with some alterations, at a later date."

Bournemouth Echo: High Tide Festival cancelled in BournemouthHigh Tide Festival cancelled in Bournemouth

Last week, a licensing sub-committee heard details of the event's application for film, live music, recorded music, performance of dance and on sales of alcohol between the hours of 3pm and 11pm each day.

Three objections were submitted with a council report saying that the organisers, High Tide Festival Company Ltd have “consistently failed to provide the necessary assurances to the BCP Safety Advisory Group members that the event will be delivered safely.”

Read more: High Tide festival coming to Bournemouth beach this summer

Both the fire service and police also raised concerns with the council’s head of destination and events, Jon Weaver, adding his fears that the event could be at risk of undermining licensing objectives.

The organisers said in their application they expected between 6,000 and 9,000 people each day with a further 400 artists, staff, security and contractors.

Admission was due to be by pre-booked ticket only, limited to over 18s, with two stages including a marquee or covered stage, and a range of stalls and bars.