A concert was cancelled 20 minutes before it was due to start after a Christmas tree prompted health and safety concerns.
The Blackheart Orchestra were due to perform at The Atkinson theatre in Southport last night but the show was called off due to "health and safety" concerns.
The musicians described it as "the most unbelievable evening" as they took to Facebook to explain to fans why they were forced to cancel at short notice.
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They said: "We’re so deeply saddened and utterly angered that tonight’s concert was cancelled by Southport Atkinson Theatre due to Sefton Council who decided to erect a Christmas tree outside the theatre exactly when our show was scheduled to take place, thus creating a ‘health and safety’ problem whereby emergency services couldn’t get access to the theatre.
"So the gig was cancelled just 20 minutes before it started."
They added: "We feel so sorry for everyone who travelled to see us from Newcastle, South Manchester, Preston, Wigan and many have booked hotels and taken holidays from work, please please we encourage you all to demand ALL your expenses from Sefton Council and NOT just your ticket refund.
"We will support you EVERY INCH of the way. Our fans are our most valuable assets without you there would be no music, and we REFUSE to see you exploited by this crazy and unnecessary fiasco."
The Christmas tree, funded and arranged by Southport BID, was installed in front of the Sefton Council run Atkinson Theatre.
One fan commented describing the cancellation as "disgusting".
Following the cancellation of the show, Sefton Council explained that the cancellation was due to the installation being arranged at "very short notice".
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Southport’s Christmas Tree is installed, maintained and funded by the Southport Business Improvement District, not Sefton Council.
“We are aware the installation of the structure is a delicate and complex process and ask that efforts are made to ensure these works do not coincide or affect an event at The Atkinson.
“Unfortunately we were informed of this year’s installation at very short notice, at which point a music event had already been organised.
“We then sought assurances that all works would be carried out considerately to ensure no disruption to the performance and that all fire exits were kept clear.
“Sadly during the evening it became apparent that the BID’s contractors were not abiding by these pre-agreed safety requirements and we were left with little option but to ensure the safety of everyone within The Atkinson and postpone the event.
“The team at The Atkinson is disappointed that the event wasn’t able to go ahead as planned and has already compensated the band for their postponed performance. Full refunds are now being processed for ticket holders.”
CEO of Southport BID, Rachel Fitzgerald, told the ECHO: "Southport BID was sad to hear that the Blackheart Orchestra concert was cancelled on Wednesday.
"Southport BID installs the Christmas tree annually. Given that it is a complex operation, it is booked in June. The installation is discussed and planned between the BID and our partners including the Atkinson before the installation method is confirmed.
"For a number of years the Christmas tree has been installed in Town Hall Gardens where everyone can see and enjoy it.
"Southport BID is committed to ensure that all people involved in the installation can work in a safe environment and that the general public’s welfare is also safeguarded by ensuring that all correct procedures are followed.
"It is clearly a matter for The Atkinson to cancel a show if they choose to do so. It is not a matter for Southport BID who were simply following the agreed installation plan, which included the night of 17th November for the erection of the tree before the town’s Christmas season gets underway."
Sefton Council have since announced on Twitter that they plan on refunding the tickets bought and have "compensated" the band.
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