The Sands Centre has begun to cancel the 'vast majority' of shows until the end of 2024 as the venue was forced to close after a change in guidelines over RAAC. 

Cumberland Council had announced on Thursday that the auditorium would be closed for an extended period and that they were in the process of appointing a contractor to make the venue safe. 

The venue initially had to cancel a week long run of Shrek the Musical last month less than 12 hours before it was due to begin and has been closed ever since, with the council blaming a change in government legislation. 

The news will be devastating for local theatre goers and local theatre groups who use the Sands for major productions. 

In a social media post, the Sands Centre said: "Following the announcement that The Sands Centre Auditorium will remain closed for an extended period, we regret to inform you that we are in the process of cancelling the vast majority of shows scheduled for the remainder of 2023 and up until the end of 2024.

"We understand that this will come as a huge disappointment, but please be assured that we are committed to making this process as smooth as possible for all affected customers.

"There is no need for customers to contact us at this time. We are proactively working to reach out to all ticket holders for the affected shows.

READ MORE: Sands Centre Auditorium, Carlisle to remain closed for extended period | News and Star

"We ask for your patience as we work sequentially through the extensive number of shows and events, starting with September 2023.

"Customers will receive email notification when we begin processing refunds for their show. Returns will be automatically processed and customers do not need to contact the box office to request their refund.

"We appreciate your understanding during this challenging period. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our auditorium once improvement works are complete."

The leisure facilities remain unaffected.