Free beachfront concert by Dizzee Rascal cancelled

A free beachfront concert in Kent by chart-topping rapper Dizzee Rascal has been axed just hours before it was set to begin.

The Sevenoaks-based musician posted a video on social media encouraging fans to "pull up" to a free concert on the Margate Steps on Friday at 18:00 BST.

But music promoters Margate Summer Series said he had been forced to pull the plug on the impromptu event, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In a public statement, alongside an image labelling the gig postponed, it said: "Dizzee Rascal will be rescheduled due to filming taking place in Margate today. Hold tight, more news coming soon."

"Tonight in Margate on the Kings Steps, it's a pull up, don't call it a pop up, I'm coming down there, we're going to have a rave up, yeah?" the artist had said in a video to his more than half a million Instagram followers.

The video gained thousands of views in just hours.

Dizzee Rascal, real name Dylan Kwabena Mills, was made an MBE for services to music in 2020.

In 2003, aged 19, he became the youngest artist to win the Mercury Prize, with his debut album Boy in da Corner.

A graphic promoting the event had been shared by Margate Summer Series – the promoters of Dreamland's summer concerts – saying: "Bring your friends, your mum, your dad, even your little sister. Everyone's welcome!"

Ward councillor for Margate Central and former mayor of the town Rob Yates said he had emailed Dreamland on seeing the social media posts.

"I think it's an irresponsible ticket stunt," he said.

The London-born rapper and Mike Skinner of The Streets are set to perform at the Marine Terrace venue on 29 August.

Dreamland's operations manager Shane Guy wrote in an email to Yates about the unplanned seafront gig: "This event is not being organised by Dreamland.

"We have been in contact with the promoter and management team for Dizzee Rascal with a firm request that it be cancelled immediately and that a statement goes out confirming cancellation to all media and social media channels."

Yates said there had been "no liaison" with the council.

He added: "It's council land, it's dangerous to hold it right next to the sea, there's no police, medics or planning."

It is understood that Thanet District Council and the police are aware.

Kent Police have been approached for comment.