Two giant outdoor gigs by music legend Leonard Cohen, due to take place at the Hop Farm in just a fortnight, have been moved to Wembley Arena.

The shock announcement was made by organisers today and leaves thousands of Kent fans facing an unexpected 140-mile round trip.

More than 20,000 people were due to attend the open-air events at the Paddock Wood venue on Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9 - with the first night sold out.

A statement on the musician's website said the last-minute change of venue was due to "unforeseen circumstances".

Ticketholders are advised to contact the point of sale for a refund or new ticket.

A spokesman for concert promoter Vince Power said: "The decision to change the venue has nothing to do with the suitability of Hop Farm as a venue. Wembley Arena is a world class venue and being an indoor arena offers protection from the unseasonal cold and wet weather this summer. "All ticket holders will be entitled to either a full refund or a top seat at Wembley Arena."

Mr Power said: "I would like to apologise to all the customers who have already bought tickets and hope they can still enjoy what's going to be amazing shows at Wembley Arena."

Cohen's website said ticketholders will be "invited to an exclusive pre-sale to purchase tickets for the new Wembley Arena dates and to have first access to the best seats in the house".

The Canadian singer-songwriter's Hop Farm shows were due to be his only UK dates in 2012.

Crowds were set to be treated to three-hour sets from the 77-year-old - best known for his song Hallelujah - on each day.

His band includes Sevenoaks-born duo the Webb Sisters, the only British members of his world touring musicians and singers.

Hop Farm organisers had to add an extra day to the gig - to include classic songs and tracks from this year's his No2 album Old Ideas - because of overwhelming demand.

A message on the Hop Farm website said: "We have received information from the organisers of the Leonard Cohen concerts on the 8-9 September that the event has moved to Wembley Arena.

"The Hop Farm is not privy to any more detail and all enquirers/ticket holders should contact their point of purchase."