Lightning strikes force Sir Tom Jones to pull out of comeback gig in York
Thunderstorms and lightning strikes forced Sir Tom Jones to cancel his comeback concert gig in York.
The 78-year-old had been due to return to performing on Friday after he pulled out of five live shows due to illness.
York Racecourse apologised to fans and said the decision came following "atrocious weather conditions".
The venue said a series of storms hit the course, and left Sir Tom unable to fly from his London home to Yorkshire for the show.
York Racecourse said fans would receive a 50 per cent refund for tickets as scheduled races at the event were still able to go ahead.
Disappointed fans vented their frustration online upon hearing the news.
Carly Fooks tweeted: "It's not even raining anymore!!! So many people have battled public transport after the earlier lightening strike debacle to get to York to see Tom. So disappointing."
In a statement, York Racecourse said: "As anyone at the track on Friday evening will know, the weather closed in, with a series of storms hitting the course.
"More significantly similar storms blocked the route of both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft between his London home and Yorkshire.
"York Racecourse and Sir Tom wish to apologise to his fans for this disappointment and understand the inconvenience caused.
"The race meeting itself went ahead with six races completed."
The venue detailed how customers could receive their refund.
