THREE headlining acts have pulled out of their Kidderminster Arts Festival appearances due to low ticket sales.

Dodgy, the Animals and Gordon Giltrap have all cancelled their gigs, which were due to be held next week at Kidderminster Town Hall.

Dodgy, the 90s britpop band, were due to perform next Thursday, (August 16) 60s veterans the Animals on Friday, August 17 and acoustic guitarist and composer Gordon Giltrap on Saturday, August 18.

Kidderminster Arts Festival, organised by Wyre Forest District Council , begins on Saturday (August 11) with a variety of art, theatre, dance, film and music events taking place across the town.

The council’s arts and play development officer Loz Samuels said: “I don’t think it will affect the rest of the festival. There is a lot still going on.

“Due to low ticket sales, the bands didn’t want to risk it. It’s a shame. People seem to be staying in. They’re very distracted by events like the Olympics so it’s not the best timing.

“We were working with an independent event organiser and it might have undermined our relationship with them.

"It might mean in future there will be less opportunities to see live music in Kidderminster. It would have been great for the town.”

Refunds are available from the Town Hall if tickets were purchased there and the council has already begun to contact those who booked online .