Performances by high-profile musicians and comedians such as McFly, UB40 and John Bishop have been cancelled after the promoter behind them went bust.

Coventry-based M&B Promotions has posted a message on its website to say the company, along with its ticket platform Simple Ticketing, has ceased operating.

It said the company had suffered as a result of bookings being rescheduled due to covid pandemic and its last programme of events had taken place in December.

In a statement, it said: “It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that we must announce the cancellation of all of our scheduled events and the end of operations.

“We have successfully delivered hundreds of events all over the country since 2019. We were among many high-profile event organisers forced to reschedule many events due to the pandemic.

“With vast amounts of finance already tied up with artist deposits, suppliers, venues and marketing, this has put a huge financial strain on the company.

“Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, this, combined with the extreme logistical and financial setbacks caused by the pandemic, mean it’s no longer viable for us to continue trading.

“We have contacted all customers, artists, venues and suppliers to notify them of this terrible situation we have found ourselves in.

“We would like to thank the artists that have worked with us, the venues that have hosted our events and the thousands of people who have supported us by attending our past events.”

Among the concerts now cancelled are McFly, Craig David and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell in Lincolnshire, Leeds, Gloucester and Northamptonshire.

Comedy in the Park events scheduled to take place over the summer in Exeter, Gloucester, Kettering, Leeds, Lincoln, Norwich and Southport have also been affected.

Household names such as John Bishop, Rob Beckett, Al Murray and Russell Kane were due to perform. A Jason Manford show, due to take place in Kettering next weekend, has also been cancelled.

Ticket holders have been advised to contact either Paypal, their bank or other point of purchase to discuss refunds.