FANS of Dutch composer Andre Rieu were left disappointed after technical problems at a Newport cinema stopped the live streaming of his annual Maastricht concert going ahead.

Cinema-goers at Cineworld at Spytty Retail Park had paid £20 to see the show broadcast live but internet issues interrupted the show on Saturday night.

The cinema chain has since apologised and rescheduled the event.

One of the spectators Lenay Jerling Krowitz said: “It was the most disappointing experience. We were really looking forward to the show and Cineworld never managed to link up.

“I arrived at 6.30pm and joined an ever increasing queue to get into the cinema.

"The manager came out once to tell us there was a slight delay but we wouldn't miss the start.

"At long last, we were all seated and were told by the ushers that they couldn't link up to the live feed.”

Another attendant, Jon Hill, explained that a member of the audience with some IT experience offered to help and discovered the cinema’s internet connection was down.

He said: “This was all patrons got for their £20 admission price.

“We were given refunds, but many felt the cinema hadn’t prepared sufficiently for the event in terms of checking equipment and technical expertise on site to troubleshoot the problem.”

Ms Jerling Krowitz agreed with him. She said: “They were very helpful with refunding our tickets.

“I think they tried their best, but really should have pre-tested everything as the opportunity is lost forever.”

Every year, Andre Rieu - crowned by the media ‘The king of the Waltz’ - returns to his Netherlands hometown, Maastricht, for a concert in the town’s square.

According to Cineworld’s website, Mr Rieu was planning to deliver his “biggest, most unforgettable concert yet” last Saturday.

Mo Williams, Cineworld Newport Spytty Park general manager, said: “We're sorry for any inconvenience caused and would like to thank our customers for their understanding.

“Unfortunately, we experienced a technical difficulty with the streaming of Andre Rieu’s Annual Maastricht Concert and have given a full refund to all customers.

"We have rearranged for another screening to take place on Saturday September 3 at 7pm.”

For more information on the rescheduled event visit cineworld.com