What's the future for Headlands open air concert site?
The £15m Headlands site has played host to McFly, The Wanted and Elton John but apart from September’s Switch-On, the council confirmed no major concerts are planned on the site, which is opposite the Tower.
In 2013, Marketing Blackpool advertised for a company – on a £1m contract over three years – to provide the logistical support needed to put on major events, but the organisation was then dissolved and events were brought in-house.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAnd with Lytham Festival attracting bigger names every year – Noel Gallagher and Bryan Adams are set to headline this year – pressure is mounting on council officials to utilise the venue with big name events.
Coun Tony Wiliams said: “I am extremely disappointed that the council have failed to utilise the Headlands for the promised series of live music and other events. This is a purpose-built public arena and was launched with the promise that the town would promote live music from all sections of performing arts.
“Apart from the Elton John concert, which was abandoned due to bad weather, the arena has not been used during last year’s summer months when it would have been ideal for outdoor concerts.
“The council really must embrace this feature and start to fulfil their promise to support live entertainment.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt is understood promoters are reluctant to host big concerts at the site due to potential problems with the weather after 11,000 people were left disappointed when Elton John had to abandon his concert in June 2012 due to high winds. He promised to return, a pledge still to be fulfilled.
When the Headlands scheme was first revealed, council documents described it as: “The Tower Festival Headland will embrace the town’s heartland, creating a festival and events zone that aims to generate excitement for both residents and visitors. An essential part of the town’s regeneration masterplan, the investment will not only provide a new entertainment zone, it will provide new commercial and employment opportunities for businesses and residents of the town.”
In their defence, council chiefs today reeled off a list of events hosted at the site but insisted the Headlands was “never intended to be a regular concert venue”.
But they admitted no big concerts are planned this year at the site, other than the annual Switch-On extravaganza.
Advertisement
Hide Ad