Stadium gigs hit apathy
By Emily Pykett

Tuesday 7th June 2005

POOR ticket sales have hit pop and classical music concerts to be staged at Weymouth FC's Wessex Stadium later this month.

With just over two weeks to go promoters revealed less than 1,000 tickets had been sold for each of the concerts - an '80s evening on June 24 starring Tony Hadley, ABC and Go West and a Proms on the Pitch event the next night featuring G4, Myleene Klass and Aled Jones.

Organisers say they need to sell 4,000 tickets for the shows to break even.

Promoter Lester Holcombe said: "The Legends In Concert seems to be the more popular of the events - people want to see former Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley.

"Male vocal quartet G4 appeal to teenagers and 80-year-olds alike and have sold out everywhere else they play.

"But people still do not believe that the real G4 are coming to Weymouth because the town is just not on the map for concerts and fans down here are used to travelling before they can see big names.

"They are used to lots of cover bands playing at the Pavilion Theatre."

Mr Holcombe added: "People keep asking me why not put the money directly into the club?

"Chairman Martyn Harrison knows there is already a fan base in its own right and he wants to widen the Terras' appeal in the community.

"He wants to pump cash into the club and give everyone a really good party at the same time.

"He wants people to support these events so he can do it again in future - he's got the clout to bring big name acts here."

Mr Holcombe stressed that this year organisers had taken on board complaints following the 2004 event when tickets were given away for free and people had their food and drink confiscated.

"Last year we allowed vendors to come in and set their own high prices which did not go down well at all.

"This year everything is being done in-house by the club so people are allowed to bring in their own food and drink, including alcohol. The only condition is no glass.

"So the audience can relax and enjoy whatever they want to drink as long as they are socially responsible and decant it into plastic containers.

"People had their belongings taken off them last time but there will be no bag searches this year."

Legends In Concert is on Saturday, June 24. Tickets are £23.50 for adults and £15 for children aged under 15. Proms On The Pitch is on Sunday, June 25. Tickets cost £26 for adults and £15 for children under 15.

Tickets are available on the door but people can book in advance on the ticket hotline 0870 264 3333 or Weymouth Pavilion box office on 01305 783225.