CARLISLE'S Sands Centre has postponed the rest of the events held in the auditorium this September. 

The postponement follows after government guidance changed on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC),  which was initially found to be present in the auditorium roof in 2019. 

Shrek The Musical has been scrapped along with three other scheduled events in the month ahead, including The Simon & Garfunkel Story and Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael. 

A spokesperson from Cumberland Council said: "Following the decision to temporarily close the stand-alone events centre, part of The Sands in Carlisle, we have been discussing the impact of the closure on planned events.

"Shrek The Musical has been cancelled and whilst work is undertaken to assess the site by specialist structural engineers, a decision has been taken to postpone the three remaining events planned to take place within the main auditorium during September. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"GLL will make every effort to reschedule dates for the affected events. They will contact ticket holders with updates.

"The decision to temporarily close the events space is a precautionary step and does not impact on the day to day running of the main leisure centre," they said. 

The spokesperson reiterated that the new main building of Sands Centre, which houses pools, gym, sports halls, café, bars, and restaurant, remains unaffected and open.

The Sands Centre operator, GLL, said that they would be in touch with ticket holders to discuss options once the circumstances allow.

"Once the time frames become clearer, we will update ticket holders as to the status of the future programme and we would like to reassure customers that their safety is paramount.

“There is no need for customers to contact the venue, and rest assured that we will be in touch to discuss options with ticket holders once we’re able to do so.

“Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we work through the different considerations," they said. 

Elsewhere in the city, live entertainment will still be running as normal throughout the month. 

Carlisle's Green Room Club will be home to A Celebration of Musicals Act 2 and a live sci-fi radio theatre performance, Space Radio Vol. 2 - with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to arrive next month. 

At Carlisle's Old Fire Station, Toploader will be returning to the stage on September 30. 

1980s band A Flock of Seagulls will also be playing at the venue on September 17.