Festival Cancelled As Libertines Pull Out

The anti-racism Unity Festival has been cancelled after headliners The Libertines pulled out of the gig, as co-frontman Pete Doherty is currently in rehab in France.

The festival was due to take place on June 6 at London's Hammersmith Apollo.

A statement from festival organisers reads: "The reason for the cancellation is that the main headline act, The Libertines, have had to pull out of Sunday's show due to the ill-health of guitarist Peter Doherty. Until today the band and their management still felt that the band would be able to play.

"Unfortunately, Peter's recovery from illness has not progressed as quickly as everyone expected, and the rest of the band are understandably unwilling to do any show without Peter at this difficult time."

A separate statement from the band reads: "The Libertines have had to cancel due to Peter being in rehab in France. Peter is making great progress and will be home soon - the band continue to support Unite Against Fascism and Love Music Hate Racism and will continue to do so, with other gigs in the near future."

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