SUPERSTAR Jamelia has snubbed Chester's biggest pop concert tonight (Friday July 30) in favour of an appearance on an historic edition of BBC TV's Top of the Pops.
Jamelia has been one of the biggest success stories in the British music scene during the past year, having scored Top 10 hits with Superstar, Thank You and her latest single See It In A Boy's Eyes, currently at No 6.
Though chart-toppers Liberty X were originally billed as the headliners when the event was announced earlier this year, in the intervening months the focus has been on the R&B singer.
But hundreds of fans looking forward to her live performance at the Grosvenor Park tonight will be disappointed to learn she has pulled out of the Chester Summer Music Festival event.
Instead, she will be heading for Newcastle to take part in the first live outside broadcast in the history of Top of the Pops, which airs at the same time as the Chester concert.
However, festival organisers have revealed that Big Brovaz have been signed up to replace Jamelia on tonight's bill, which is still topped by Liberty X and includes Romeo, Phixx, former Steps star Lee Latchford Evans unveiling his band The Latch, DJ Casper and Daniel Pearce.
Festival spokeswoman Fiona England said: 'We are disappointed that Jamelia will not be appearing on Friday but, unfortunately, contracts for such artists allow them to pull out for television appearances such as Top of the Pops with little notice.
'We are delighted that MOBO award-winners Big Brovaz will now be appearing in her place performing their top chart hits, including Nu Flow and Favourite Things, for their fans in Chester.'
Jamelia's exit is the second blow to the event in successive weeks. Last week organisers revealed they had withdrawn a licensing application, following objections from police and Chester City Council.
Alcohol will be available at the other three events in the park; Music from the Movies Firework Spectacular with Manchester Camerata tomorrow; 80s Gold with Fine Young Cannibals, Go West, Nick Heyward and Curiosity next Friday; and Van Morrison next Saturday.
For booking information, call 01244 320700.
