A CARLISLE band have suffered a ‘blow’ after having their planned Glastonbury gigs cancelled following a ticketing issue.

Hardwicke Circusannounced that despite planning to play three gigs on three separate stages at the iconic festival, they are not going to be able to get into the festival - as the tickets they were promised failed to materialise.

Hardwicke Circus were set to return to Glastonbury for the second time to play on the Rabbit Hole Stage on Thursday, June 22 at 9.45pm.

The band played the event last year after Beatles legend, Sir Paul McCartney, put in a request with festival officials to put the exciting band on the bill.

In a video posted on social media, the band said that it was a ‘bit of a blow’ but said they hoped to return to Glastonbury next year.

“Unfortunately, we won’t be there (at Glastonbury) this year,” said lead vocalist, Jonny Foster.

“Although we secured three gigs on three different stages, it turned out that the tickets we were promised, when they were meant to be sent out to us, there was none left so it means we can’t get in.

“It’s all a bit confusing and a bit strange but essentially a lot of the smaller stages – the ones we were playing on – they’re run independently from the festival.

"That means that unless you’re on the Pyramid Stage or one of the main stages, you have to work out how you’re getting in even if you have the gig.

“It’s all a bit of a blow and a bit of a drag but we have been promised to be first in the queue for those stages next year, so watch this space.”

Despite the Glastonbury setback, Hardwicke Circus continue to go from strength to strength and to date, they have over 1,000 gigs under their belt – which includes a tour of UK prisons, and a support slot with Bob Dylan in Hyde Park.

This year’s Glastonbury Festival is headlined by Elton John, Arctic Monkeys and Guns 'n' Roses.