Derry fans '˜gutted' as '˜Little Mix' cancel gigs

Many parents with young children had made the journey from Derry to Belfast in time for the 2.00 p.m. matinee show, however at 1:40pm the packed arena was told that shows in the afternoon and evening would not go ahead.

Concert promoters Aiken issued a brief statement saying: “We regret to announce that both ‘Little Mix’ shows at the SSE Arena will not take place today due to Jesy being unwell and not able to perform.”

Derry mother Natasha McLaughlin, who brought her eight-years-old daughter Cassie to the concert said: “So many people were disappointed. They left it to 20 minutes before the show when we were all there. They should have known in the morning that it wouldn’t go ahead if Jesy the singer was sick so why leave it to the last minute to announce it? It’s a joke after everyone got buses up there. It’s the same thing that happened with the One Direction gig. Belfast seems to bear the brunt of it every time and the children just don’t understand. They’ve been left so disappointed.”

Hundreds of people had travelled from Derry in the morning to arrive in Belfast in good time for the afternoon concert. It’s believed the gigs will be rescheduled for later next month.