More than 7,000 people had confirmed on the social networking site that they would attend the party billed as "a night of mayhem," in the coastal town of Torbay, England.

An entry on Facebook notifies would be partygoers of the change in plans. "Due to an unexpected high number of people registered to attend this event a license is required for it to go ahead legally and safely. An application for such a license is a lengthy process and cannot be completed within the given time constraints."

Police had warned they would prevent the party and that they would enforce a 2003 law, which prohibits the sale of alcohol for up to 24 hours.

Besides the threat of the police stopping the party, the post on Facebook also gave other reasons why the event was being canceled. "Such factors as traffic management, waste disposal, and sanitary conditions, have to be carefully planned. This planning cannot be satisfactorily done within time constraints."

The post also warns, "people attending beaches in Torbay on the weekend will be asked to leave or be arrested. Do not travel to Torbay. There will be a high police presence around the coast."