Image caption New Order was due to headline the gig

A major music festival planned for next month in Belfast has been cancelled because of poor ticket sales, the BBC has learned.

The Happy Mondays and New Order were due to headline the Titanic Lockdown festival on 1 and 2 June.

It was supposed to be held in a former shipyard hangar opposite the old headquarters of Harland and Wolff in the Titanic Quarter.

However, despite a major promotional campaign across NI it has been pulled.

The festival had secured funding from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

It had been described by promoters Hydroponic as a "boutique festival for Belfast's music lovers".

The event had been planned for three years and was also due to feature a stage dedicated to local artists and an international food market.

'Disappointment'

It was to have been the first time New Order had played in Belfast for 26 years.

In a statement on its website, Titanic Lockdown said it was "with great regret and disappointment" that the event had been cancelled.

"Despite a huge wave of goodwill, ticket sales have been significantly slower than forecast for an event featuring such high profile acts. As a result, it will not be possible to deliver the event.

"We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all who have supported, endorsed and believed in the project.

"No one is more disappointed than us that the event will not now be taking place, but unfortunately the circumstances are simply beyond our control."

All tickets will be fully refunded.