Cockington Proms postponed after ‘technical difficulties’

COCKINGTON Proms will not take place this weekend after a row erupted between organisers and a key supplier.

It’s thought hundreds of tickets had been sold for the biggest single event in the Bay’s cultural calendar, with all proceeds going to Rowcroft Hospice.

But Twisted Events announced late yesterday that the show is being postponed after a last minute dispute over costs.

However no future date has yet been set.

Organisers say that if anyone can’t make the future date, when it is announced, ticket holders will receive a full £20 refund.

A statement released by boss Rob Hartman said: “We are sorry to announce that we are temporarily postponing this year’s Cockington Proms.

“Due to unforeseen technical difficulties and the nature of this event we regrettably are unable to open the gates this Sunday.

“This is, however, only temporary and the event will be taking place in the very near future, but we will announce the exact date shortly.

“If for whatever reason ticket holders are unable to attend the new date, we will be issuing refunds and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

He added: “We would also like to say a massive thank you to all of the parties involved who have worked so hard to help us get the event off of the ground, and also for everyone who has pre-bought tickets and shown us and Rowcroft so much support.”

Sunday would have seen the first return of the proms in four years.

Previously organised by Tormohun Rotary Club, it ceased in 2005 after it failed to make enough money for charity. Their alternative event at the Princess Theatre took place last night.

Twisted Events had lined up Classic FM’s Mark Forrest to host Sunday’s event along with South Devon’s own Keedie Babb and the 62-piece Westward Symphony Orchestra.

A spokesman for Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust apologised for the postponement.

She said: “It is a great shame that Rob Hartman, to whom the trust has hired the grounds at Cockington for the event, has had to take the decision to postpone the Proms this Sunday.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into trying to find a promoter in whom we felt confident to stage the Proms at Cockington. Despite the inherent difficulties of putting on a large event here, this year we were sure that it would happen.

“We are sorry as well for all the people who were looking forward to the event.

“We are talking to the event organiser about alternative dates and are still hopeful that the Proms will be able to go ahead this year. He has assured us he will refund payments that have been made, or transfer the tickets to a later date if people wish.”

A spokesman for Rowcroft Hospice said: “We are disappointed that the return of Cockington Proms has been postponed and we hope the organisers are able to overcome any problems and relaunch in the near future.

“We would like to thank everyone who has bought a ticket for their support.”

Tags: Cockington Proms, Rob Hartman, Rowcroft Hospice, Tormohun Rotary Club, Twisted Events

Category: Charity Events