A planned open-air concert at Tenby's Temple to the Winds has had to be called off at the 11th hour after organisers were informed they needed a public entertainment licence.

Organised as a fund-raising effort for Tenby Arts Festival, the use of the Temple on North Cliff had been offered by Mr. Billy James.

Billed as 'Midsummer Magic', the concert was to feature a wide range of musical styles from talented local artists, including Tenby Brass Band, Reel Appeal, St. Mary's Church handbell ringers, The Afternoons, soloists from The Greenhill School and Tempus.

However, the organisers were informed by Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing department on Monday that the event could not go ahead as there was no public entertainment licence in place.

"We were very disappointed when we were told about this," said Mrs. Rosemary Rhys-Davies, of Tenby Arts Festival. "We have been planning this open-air concert for about six months.

"We thought that holding an open-air concert at the Temple to the Winds would be like holding one on Castle Hill, where we have held several successful concerts over the years," Mrs. Rhys-Davies continued.

"However, apparently Castle Hill is a public space. As the Temple is on private land at Clovers on North Cliff, it needs a public entertainment licence.

"We did not have enough time remaining to apply for a public entertainment licence and as such have had to cancel the concert," Mrs. Rhys-Davies continued.

"However, Mr. James has generously agreed to leave the gates open so that people will still be able to go and enjoy a picnic in this unique setting above the North Bay."

When contacted by the Observer, a spokesperson for the county council said: "The type of event planned requires a public entertainment licence.

"The county council will do all it can to assist events of this sort. However, no application for a licence has been made by the organisers and in these circumstances, the council cannot issue a licence for the event.

"The process of considering an application for a public entertainment licence takes several weeks and this is because its purpose is to safeguard public safety.

"Rigorous safety checks have to be carried out in consultation with Dyfed Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade and members of the public have to be given the opportunity to object to the granting of the licence, if they wish.

"It would be irresponsible and improper for the council to approve this event to go ahead without a licence."