Music
03 Jun 03

Lisdoonvarna: change in date as well as location seems likely

A press statement from Lisdoonvarna's organisers indicates in hindsight how much of a surprise Clare County Council's refusal was. Also: a change in date may be the key to saving the festival

The confirmation of Christy Moore and Suzanne Vega - both of whom had been on the Lidoonvarna Festival bill - to play the Cork Opera House and Vicar St respectively on Saturday the 28th (the original festival date), suggests that a change in date as well as venue is now in the offing.

Meanwhile, it seems Clare County Council's refusal to grant Lisdoonvarna a license was even more of a surprise than was initially reckoned.

Aiken Promotions' most up-to-date press release suggests that many aspects of the festival's preparations had been green-lighted without contention, which is somewhat strange in retrospect, considering the ultimate fate of the license application.

"Following six months of meetings with statutory authorities and other agencies, where we received nothing but encouragement and support, we are very disappointed at the decision," Peter Aiken was quoted as saying.

Gar Holohan of Holohan Leisure Consultants added: "We cannot understand how Clare County Council are 'not satisfied' that the event could be 'safely undertaken', given that:

"(a) An Garda Siochana confirmed that they were not objecting to the event, and that they were satisfied that the event could be managed safely if additional resources were put in place, which Aiken Promotions agreed to fund;

"(b) The County Council’s own Fire Service confirmed that they had 'no major worries' in relation to the event;

"(c) The Health Board confirmed they were satisfied with the plans for the event.

"We would like to thank the people and business community of Lisdoonvarna for their support over the last six months. We know they will be devastated by this decision particularly with the current challenges facing the tourism industry in the mid-west.

"Fans need not be disappointed as Aiken Promotions will be announcing an alternative venue within the next 72 hours and all tickets already purchased will be valid for this new venue."

The aforementioned 72-hour-period has of course now passed without further news. More information is expected within the week.

Further news as we have it.