Published at 14:06, Friday, 01 June 2012

Top pop band JLS have scrapped their summer show at Carlisle's Bitts Park.

The pop superstars have blamed the shock announcement on their Bitts Park date on “unforeseen and unavoidable rescheduling”.

It is, however, understood that sales of tickets had lagged behind other cities on their summer tour. It is believed that when the show was pulled, several thousand still needed to be sold for the concert to break even.

JLS had been due to play in front of a crowd of up to 20,000 people in Bitts Park on August 25 in what was set to be the city’s biggest concert of the year.

As the Carlisle announcement was made, it emerged that a gig they had been due to play in Scarborough on August 18 had been rescheduled for what was the Carlisle date.

JLS – Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, Oritse Williams and JB – have apologised for the call-off.

Bitts Parks was one of the stops the former X Factor finalists were making as part of a tour in August and September. Another gig, in Oxford, has also been dropped, although four other dates on the same tour as Carlisle’s, which does not include Scarborough, will go ahead.

Another X Factor star, Alexandra Burke, had been due to perform with them in Carlisle, as were girl group Little Mix, winners of the television talent show last year.

Dion Clements, JLS’ tour spokesman, said: “We fully understand, and are very sorry for, any disappointment felt by fans following this announcement.

“It is due to timelines being changed, requiring recording studio time to be extended, creating an overlap issue and knock-on effect for the earlier shows of the summer tour.

“We appreciate alternative concert venues will require extra travelling time, which is why we are offering a transfer of two-for-one tickets, to compensate for the extra cost and inconvenience involved.

“On behalf of everyone involved, we sincerely apologise to all those affected.”

Mr Clements said the cancellation was down to scheduling rather than ticket sales.

Fans were quick to voice their frustration at www.newsandstar.co.uk.

Tracy Elliot posted: “Our little girl will be disappointed as she loves JLS and it would have been her first concert. The two for one ticket deal isn’t any good as all the other venues are too far away for us.”

A fan, under the name of Jo, said: “I’m absolutely devastated. I love JLS. I will never get over this.”

Another wrote: “Gutted, but the alternate dates being offered are miles away.”

Carlisle City Council had been involved in helping land the Bitts Park date.

A spokesman said: “We are very disappointed that JLS have cancelled their event in August, but we hope to welcome them back in the near future.”

Securing what was billed as a star-studded line-up had been seen as another major coup for Carlisle on the back of Radio 1’s Big Weekend last year.

Carlisle Music City week starts on Monday, with gigs taking place in many venues and local bands performing in the city centre.

Chairman Mark Campbell said: “We haven’t had any involvement in the JLS gig but naturally wanted it to succeed. While this is a disappointment for JLS fans it’s not a body blow to the Carlisle music scene.

“Radio 1’s Big Weekend proved there is a massive appetite for live music in Carlisle. Carlisle Music City is building on that by putting more of an emphasis on city centre venues and local acts.”

Wigton-based bus company Reays had been due to operate the official park and ride service for the gig.

Managing director Chris Reay said: “No park and ride tickets had been sold in advance for JLS but we have already started contacting those people who had already paid for the return coach service for the concert to give them a full refund.”

Fans who have bought tickets for the cancelled shows will be automatically given a refund at the face value of their original tickets. They also have the option to transfer their tickets – two-for-one offer – to any of the remaining dates linked to the Carlisle tour. This must be done at their original box office within 10 to 14 days.
 

Have you bought tickets for the show? How do you feel about its cancellation? Tell our newsdesk on 01228 612220.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk