Festival-goers have complained they were not told the headline act had pulled out soon after the music event had got under way.

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell had been due to perform at Uptown Festival at Earlham Park in Norwich on Sunday when it was announced the singer could not travel due to “severe sickness”.

Fans have wished Campbell well, but claimed they were not given any updates at the venue, which opened at 13:00 BST and saw ticketholders arrive into the afternoon and evening.

The organisers, who claimed they received the news at 13:30 BST, apologised and said while some fans of the band were disappointed, the majority of attendees “had a great day”.

‘Only reason for us going’

The festival went ahead with its other scheduled acts, which included The Christians, the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience and DJ sets by Martin Kemp and Craig Charles.

A Norwich forum on Facebook attracted complaints, with people claiming they had bought tickets solely to see the band at the top of the bill, with tickets apparently still on sale.

“We entered the gates at 3pm and only afterwards found out that UB40 were not playing,” said one.

“They were the only reason for us going.”

Another said they had spent £140 on four tickets but did not attend when they heard UB40 were not playing.

“Hopefully they will issue refunds for non-attendees, but I won’t hold my breath,” they added.

‘Stellar line-up’

Posting on Instagram on Sunday, the band said it was “so sorry” it could not perform, adding Campbell was “unexpectedly taken ill” that morning and could not travel.

They added he was expected to make a full recovery.

The organisers added: “Whilst we are of course disappointed that one of the acts on today’s bill was unable to perform due to unforeseen illness, we are proud of the great event we have worked hard to produce today with lots to do for all ages and a stellar music line-up.”

They also said the event was a “one-day festival”, not a “headliner with support show”.