The director of Maldon Festival has slammed the Government over its handling of post-Brexit visa arrangements for musicians after it emerged that a Swedish singer-songwriter and organist will not now appear at this year's event.

It is hoped the annual Maldon Festival will once again go ahead this summer, but director Colin Baldy has spoken out after learning the EU performer will not now appear due to the complications posed by Brexit.

In an open letter to Maldon MP John Whittingdale, Mr Baldy spoke of his shock at reading "reports that the government rejected an offer from the EU to maintain visa-free travel for musicians post-Brexit".

And he urged Mr Whittingdale to answer his questions on the issue, adding: "Given the numerous incidents, already, of British musicians being denied work within the EU, I urge you to ask the government either to categorically deny the allegations of this unnecessary rejection, or to hurry to negotiate alternative visa-free arrangements."

However, Mr Whittingdale has replied that it is "not true that the Government turned down a bespoke arrangement from the EU to allow musicians to work and perform in member states".

The Conservative MP added: "The UK Government has and always will support ambitious arrangements for performers and artists to be able to work and tour across Europe."

"As suggested by the creative arts sector, the UK proposed to capture the work done by musicians, artists and entertainers, and their accompanying staff, through the list of permitted activities for short-term business visitors.

"This would have allowed musicians and support staff to travel and perform in the UK and the EU more easily, without needing work-permits."

Mr Baldly referenced his own development as a musician in the letter, adding: "Without freedom of movement I would, quite literally, not have been able to build a career as a professional musician."

The letter continues: "At present, it looks as though the government's rejection of this offer from the EU is nothing other than a knee-jerk manifestation of its isolationist and anti-immigration agenda. Behaving in this way not only makes it difficult for British musicians to work easily (and often at short notice) within the EU but is already denying the British public the opportunity of hearing exciting performers from abroad.

"At the Maldon Festival, we have already received the disappointing news that the Swedish singer-song writer and organist, Anna von Hausswolff, will not now be appearing whilst her management decide whether or not it is worth the hassle of trying to tour the UK."

But Mr Whittingdale refuted the claims in his reply, adding: ""Unfortunately the EU repeatedly refused the proposals we made on behalf of the UK's creative arts sector.

"We are clear that our door remains open should the EU change its mind. We will endeavour to make it as straightforward as possible for UK artists to travel and work in the EU."