Earlier in the day fake grass was installed as weather looked promising

The aim was to re-create Glyndebourne, the opera venue where picnicking on the lawn is all part of the experience.

More than 7,000 people were expected at the London concert on Wednesday evening to hear the opera company.

The free performance of Puccini's La Boheme in Trafalgar Square would have taken place near the ENO's London Coliseum home.

Fake grass

On Wednesday morning the London square was transformed with a stage set at the foot of Nelson's column and the stone paving turfed over with synthetic grass.

Trafalgar Square is one of London's best known sites

Music director Paul Daniel was due to conduct the ENO orchestra, chorus, principal singers and 20 children, with Mary Plazas due to play tragic heroine Mimi.

But worsening weather conditions forced organisers to abandon the event.

"We are obviously very disappointed but had no other option because of the weather," an ENO press officer said.