Ed Sheeran says he has had to cancel a concert in the United States due to “some challenges encountered” that made it “impossible to go forward with the show”.

The British singer-songwriter, 32, informed fans just before his performance was due to start at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday.

“I can’t believe I’m typing this but there’s been some challenges encountered during the load in of our Vegas show,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram.

“It’s impossible to go forward with the show.”

Typically, “load in” refers to the period when musical equipment is carried into a venue.

“I’m so sorry,” Sheeran wrote.

“I know everyone has travelled in for this and I wish I could change it.

“The gig will be postponed to Saturday, October 28th and all purchased tickets will be valid for that date.”

Sheeran was due to play alongside support acts American rapper Russ and English singer-songwriter Maisie Peters.

Sheeran has previously cancelled gigs in Hong Kong due to severe weather conditions in 2019 and in St Louis, Missouri, amid protests in 2017.

He is next due to play the Fox Theatre in Oakland, California, on Friday and Levi’s Stadium on Saturday in Santa Clara, California, along with two more US dates.

Sheeran will then be at the Royal Albert Hall in London on November 18-19 where he will play tracks from his upcoming album Autumn Variations.

He will be accompanied by a live band and string section for the UK shows.

-PA