V Festival: Manic Street Preachers pull out after being stranded in Hungary

Band says they still expect to play at tomorrow night's event in Stafford

Manic Street Preachers playing at T in the Park in July (PA)

Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers have been forced to cancel their performance at tonight's V Festival after being stranded in Hungary.

The band, known for hits including number one "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next", were second on the bill for the MTV Stage at Chelmsford's Hylands Park tonight.

A festival spokesman said there were no plans to replace the Manics on the line-up, with Mercury Music Prize winners Elbow due to headline.

The Manics said they expected to be able to perform at V's Staffordshire event tomorrow night.

Writing on Twitter, a band spokesman said: “With huge regret, Manic Street Preachers announce the cancellation of their scheduled V Festival show in Chelmsford today (August 16).

“After five hours on runway at Budapest Airport following Sziget Festival last night, MSP were informed the BA plane they were on would not fly.

“The band made every endeavour to get back to the UK in time to play. The band apologise to their fans at V Chelmsford for the cancellation.

“Manic Street Preachers are playing tomorrow's V Festival in Stafford.”

A festival spokesman said the new stage times for the MTV Stage would see Miles Kane play at 6.20pm, followed by Blondie at 7.40pm and Elbow at 9.30pm. There were no plans for the remaining acts to extend their sets, the spokesman added.

PA