THE Proclaimers have cancelled their scheduled headline performance at Wickham Festival.

The Scottish rock duo – twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid – were due to headline the festival on Saturday night, ahead of acts including Fisherman’s Friends.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Wickham Festival said: “We regret to announce that The Proclaimers have had to cancel their Wickham appearance on Saturday due to ill health.

“Charlie Reid has lost his voice and on doctor's advice has been told to rest and not sing this weekend.

“As a result, Eric Bibb will now headline Main Stage 1 on Saturday night instead of Main Stage 2. And we're delighted to have secured The Dhol Foundation for a DJ Set to close Main Stage 2 on Saturday night.

“Our Tickets T&Cs allow us to alter the programme, when necessary, without being liable to refund tickets. That said, we recognise this news will come as a disappointment to anyone who has purchased Saturday day tickets just to see The Proclaimers.

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“To help compensate for The Proclaimers cancellation, we would like to offer anyone with a Saturday day ticket the opportunity to also attend the Festival on either Friday or Sunday (as well as Saturday) free-of-charge.

“To accept this offer of an extra day free-of-charge, please go to our Box Office on Friday or Sunday and show your Saturday day ticket to our staff. You will then be given a free wristband for the day of your choice.

“We hope this offer will help compensate for the disappointment of The Proclaimers cancellation.”

The four-day festival opens today. It will see Midge Ure headline the festival on its closing night.