A MAJOR event in York’s festive calendar has been cancelled due to lack of ticket sales.

The promoters of this year’s York Barbican pantomime, Dick Whittington, announced yesterday that the show has been cancelled, just over two weeks before the first performance.

The show, which was due to star Cbeebies star Alex Winters, Strictly Come Dancing’s Chloe Madeley, daughter of Richard and Judy, Coronation Street’s Danny Young and Bad Girls’ Kim Taylforth, was promoted by Kent-based company Blue Genie, who also promoted last year’s pantomime Cinderella.

A spokeswoman for the Barbican said despite the success of last year’s pantomime, which starred Tracy Beaker’s Dani Harmer, ticket sales and public response to this year’s event had been “less enthusiastic”.

She said: “We are obviously disappointed at the decision, but feel it is better to let everyone know as early as possible so that they can make alternative plans. There are tickets available for the pantomime at the Theatre Royal and we hope families will still be able to enjoy this traditional festive entertainment."

The spokeswoman said anyone who had already bought a ticket for Dick Whittington should to go to their point of purchase for a full refund, including any booking fees.

Nobody from Blue Genie was available for comment.