Secret Cinema cancels Back to the Future screening just 90 minutes before doors open leaving disappointed fans seething

The organisers have said the decision was due to 'unavoidable circumstances'

Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd in 1985's Back to the Future (Rex/Moviestore Collection)

Secret Cinema’s special outdoor screening of Back to the Future has been cancelled just an hour and half before the doors were due to open tonight.

The organisers have given disappointed ticket holders no reason for their decision, bar insisting it was down to “unavoidable circumstances beyond our control”.

Fans were preparing to gather at 5.15pm at Hackney Wick station in London before being whisked to a secret location.

The company has released the following statement: “We are devastated to make this announcement and sincerely apologise for having to announce it at this late a stage.

“We are working tirelessly to make sure that this spectacular event will go ahead tomorrow evening. We will be in touch at 11am tomorrow morning with a further statement for all attending guests.”

Those who had booked to attend the opening night will be able to use their tickets for another screening and be given priority.

Last night, the Back to the Future preview screening was also scrapped just an hour before it was scheduled to start.

Fans have reacted angrily on social media, particularly those who had booked travel and hotels to attend the event.

Secret Cinema has grown into a mecca for film lovers who enjoy the mysterious and immersive experience it offers.

Their biggest production to date, Back to the Future sold 17,000 tickets in the first four minutes of sale. To date, more than 66,000 tickets have been shifted.

Founder Fabien Riggall spoke to The Independent earlier this month about the hype surrounding the Back to the Future event.

“When we first started doing the bigger shows it was harder to keep the level of interactivity,” he said.

“But I am really confident that this time we’re going to nail it. As long as we keep the integrity and the spirit of what we’re doing, and as long as I hold onto that and keep fighting for that, we’ll be fine.”

Whether fans will agree that Riggall has “nailed it” after this latest news seems in doubt.