CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers have announced that they will not make it to Mayo in June for the Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts.

In a statement, the band's agent says: “CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers... were hoping to take part in a French festival on June 21, which would have allowed them to travel to Ireland for the weekend... CHIC will now not be taking part in the French festival and it is therefore not financially feasible for the band to travel to Ireland at this time."

He adds: "Nile Rodgers and the band thank their Irish fans for their understanding in this matter and look forward to performing for them soon."

Some of the bands who will be performing at the event are The Chieftains, Marc Almond, Horslips, Beth Orton, Eric Bibb, Ryan Sheridan, Wallis Bird, Jools Holland, Imelda May, Macy Gray and Royseven.

Tickets, priced from €75, are available now. See [link]www.westportfestival.com/tickets[/link].