Florence and the Machine star Florence Welch has sustained a vocal injury.

The Spectrum singer has been forced to pull out of two planned performances Festival this weekend after doctors ordered her to rest her voice for a week, or risk causing permanent damage.

The star wrote on her Facebook page: "I've sustained a vocal injury and been told I cannot sing for a week... seriously I felt something snap, it was very frightening.

"Unfortunately this means i will not be able to perform at Benicassim and Optimus Alive festival this weekend.

"I am so so sorry. I'm so sorry to all the fans, I was desperate to still perform, but was told without question not to, so as not to do permanent damage."

Florence and the Machine is still lined up for a string of concerts in Canada and the United States, kicking off on July 20, before returning to Europe for yet more shows.