Chart-topping rapper Dizzee Rascal’s free beachfront concert in Kent has been axed just hours before it was set to begin.

The Sevenoaks-based musician posted a video on social media encouraging fans to “pull up” to a free concert on the Margate Steps at 6pm, hosted in advance of his headlining gig at Dreamland in summer.

But music promoters Margate Summer Series announced at the eleventh hour the Bonkers star has been forced to pull the plug on the impromptu event.

In a public statement, alongside an image labelling the gig postponed, it said: “Dizzee Rascal will be rescheduled due to filming taking place in Margate today. Hold tight, more news coming soon”.

Earlier today, Dizzee said in a video to his more than half a million Instagram followers: “Tonight in Margate on the Kings Steps, it’s a pull up, don’t call it a pop up, I’m coming down there, we’re going to have a rave up, yeah?

“You and me, and all your peoples, it’s free, yeah, come down there, Kings Steps, tonight 6pm, I’ll see you there.”

The video boasts thousands of views in just a few hours.

A graphic promoting the event this morning was shared by Margate Summer Series - the promoters behind Dreamland’s big-name summer concerts, among which Dizzee Rascal is due to perform at later this year - saying “bring your friends, your mum, your dad, even your little sister. Everyone’s welcome!”

Ward councillor for Margate Central and former mayor of the town Cllr Rob Yates (Lab), got in touch with Dreamland bosses upon seeing the social media posts.

“I sent an email to Dreamland calling it irresponsible,” he said.

“I know the invite came from Dizzee Rascal himself but this is clearly a ticket stunt for him to play in August.”

The London-born rapper and Mike Skinner of famed act The Streets are set to perform at the Marine Terrace venue on August 29 as well.

Speaking on today’s unplanned seafront gig, Dreamland’s operations manager Shane Guy wrote in an email to Cllr Yates, which has been seen by KentOnline: “This event is not being organised by Dreamland.

“We have been in contact with the promoter and management team for Dizzee Rascal with a firm request that it be cancelled immediately and that a statement goes out confirming cancellation to all media and social media channels.”

However, the post from Margate Summer Series announcing the “pull-up” gig’s postponement said the reason is due to filming in the area.

It is yet to be confirmed what filming is taking place.

“I think it’s an irresponsible ticket stunt,” Cllr Yates continued.

“It’s clear to me that Dreamland’s promoter is involved in this - the fact that their promoter called me asking if I wanted it cancelled is telling.

“The way I see it, Dreamland/Dizzee Rascal have invited 500,000 people to Margate beach without following the right process.

“There’s been no liaison with the council - it’s council land, it’s dangerous to hold it right next to the sea, there’s no police, medics or planning.”

Addressing the cancellation on Instagram, Dizzee, real name Dylan Kwabena Mills MBE, who lives in Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, told his followers: “Greetings my people. I was meant to come down and do a pull up in Margate this evening which I was really looking forward to.

“I’d like to the event organisers at Dreamland who are f***king amazing people with good hearts and just really want to bring good vibes to Margate to the great people of Margate – a great area.

“We’re still doing Dreamland so you can come down to that, but the free, good vibe, 20 minute little set I was about to do and pull up for free just to give the people some niceness is not happening tonight.

“Once again I want to big up the organisers of Dreamland because you guys are amazing and really care about the people of Margate and their safety. Big up you.

“I can't wait for Dreamland in a few months. Bless up.”

The rapper has been spotted at the coastal town this evening meeting fans despite the cancellation.

It is understood that Thanet District Council and the police are aware.

Kent Police have been approached for comment.