Drive-in theatre, comedy and karaoke events at the intu Trafford Centre car park have been suddenly cancelled.

Those with tickets were left disappointed when organisers pulled the events and started offering refunds for tickets.

Events included a live theatre performance based on the popular children’s TV series Horrible Histories, a live comedy night and multiple drive-in karaoke events.

One mum on Twitter who had tickets said: “So disappointed the car park theatre Horrible Histories has been cancelled, my son was so excited!”

The Trafford’s Centre’s beleaguered owners Intu, which collapsed last month, confirmed the cancelled events had nothing to do with their company going into administration.

Tickets for the events at the Trafford Centre car park were being advertised as recently as July 6 online, but have since been cancelled ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’.

Those behind the Car Park Party series blamed the council for the cancellations.

The Car Park Party team said: “We had hoped we had found a way to provide the people of Manchester and the surrounding areas with a safe and entertaining family event that could go some way to making up for the lost summer we are all experiencing, however it is with regret, and on advice from the local council, we have no choice but to cancel ‘Car Park Party’ at Trafford Centre Manchester due to the ongoing issues surrounding the health pandemic.

“Full ticket refunds will be made to your original payment method. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please continue to stay safe during these challenging times.”

The company is running similar events elsewhere in the UK, which are still expected to go ahead.

But the council said the organisers decided not to proceed with the events in Trafford.

A spokesperson for Trafford council said: “The company promoting the outdoor theatre has decided not to proceed with the event and they have withdrawn from the licensing process connected with it.

“Many forms of entertainment of this nature are governed by licensing regulations to ensure their proper operation and the safe enjoyment of the public.”

Anyone with tickets for the Trafford events will automatically get full refunds directly to the card or alternative payment method used for the original ticket purchase.