A SHOWCASE waterfront rock concert in Liverpool has been cancelled due to torrential rain.

Organisers last night said a week of atrocious weather had affected ticket sales of the Waterfront Rock concert, one of three events due to form the city's Waterfront Weekend between September 3 and 5.

A classical concert and comedy evening will still go ahead, but they have both been moved from the Pier Head to the Philharmonic Hall.

Only 500 of 4,500 tickets for the Waterfront Rock event, which was due to have former S Club singer Rachel Stevens and Pop Idol's Darius Danesh headlining on September 4, were sold. Last night, engineers said the prospect of more driving rain looked set to hamper their efforts to assemble the stage and arena, meaning the show could not go ahead.

The 500 people who paid between £16.50 and £27.50 for concert tickets will have their money refunded later this week.

Jason Harborow, commercial and tourism director for the Liverpool Culture Company, said: "The long-range forecast shows there is little prospect of a great improvement in the bleak weather conditions.

"It really has been an awful summer - erecting the arena and getting bums on seats when the heavens are opening is proving too difficult.

"We have made this decision now to minimise any future disruption.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but believe that in the circumstances this is the only possible solution."

The rock concert was due to be a celebration of radio station Radio City's 30th birthday.

A Radio City spokesman last night declined to comment.

The classical concert featuring the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, pop group The Farm and singer Marc Almond will be held in the Philharmonic Hall on September 3.

A comedy night featuring Julian Clary and Jo Brand will be held at the same venue on September 5.

So far, 550 tickets have been sold for the comedy night and 1,300 for the classical concert.

Mick Elliott, RLPO chief executive, said: "The Phil will be staging a great range of free events throughout September 5 too as part of its annual open day, including cartoon screenings, concerts, workshops and tours.

"The classical concert with the RLPO in their home venue with special guests The Farm and Marc Almond, plus the comedy night means there's still a great weekend of entertainment to look forward to."