MORE than 200 students are "absolutely" devastated after their school prom was cancelled when an A-list act booked their venue.

A rite of passage - students from Crestwood Community School in Eastleigh had booked the Hilton Hotel at the Ageas Bowl to celebrate the end of exams next summer.

But their prom had been booked for the night before Irish boyband Westlife are due to perform at the stadium.

And school chiefs believe that is their reason their plans were cancelled.

Taking place on July 2, 2020, head teacher Krista Dawkins had booked a single conference room for 240 pupils and 40 staff - knowing only too well the venue was in high demand.

But now, according to Ms Dawkins, their plans are ruined after the Hilton cancelled the booking last week due to an upcoming "big event".

Despite booking the event this summer, she claims the hotel would not give a reason but believes it is because Westlife are playing at the Ageas on July 3 and have booked out the hotel the day before.

She has managed to save the prom which will now be held at the Botley Park Hotel on June 26 but many pupils can't attend on this new date.

The head said that the Hilton offered alternative dates but they were before exams finish, or in the middle of the summer when students are away on family holidays.

She said: "It feels like we are not important. The hotel said they have a big event but they could not say what it was as it was a 'secret'.

"We were just in a conference room. It does not hurt them. They would not give us an explanation.

"I feel really let down. A good 50 kids had already made arrangements. The head girl can't go now. Another student can't go because she is on a family holiday celebrating the end of exams. She is absolutely devastated."

Posting on social media, Ms Dawkins wrote: "The prom has been cancelled by the hotel because of your [Westlife's] concert. I can’t get a venue for the same date. I’m begging for your help. So many students not able to go as dates would have to be changed. They are devastated."

The boyband are set to play the Ageas as part of a new UK tour next year

Famous for hit songs including ‘Flying Without Wings’ and ‘ You Raise Me Up’, they play at the cricket ground as part of their 15 date Stadiums in the Summer Tour.

The Southampton date is presented by live music promoters Cuffe and Taylor and follows on from this summer’s tour - Twenty Tour - which is their fastest selling tour of all time.

The Daily Echo has contacted Hilton Hotels and Cuffe and Taylor for comment.