Urgent repairs have caused recent cancellations and postponements for shows at the Watford Colosseum.
Six acts and performances were cancelled in the space of four weeks due to “urgent repairs” between November 13 and December 11, leaving ticket holders and intended audiences angered by the cancellations.
Many cancellations made within this period were announced just days beforehand, or sometimes even on the same day, which proved to be a nuisance to anyone hoping to watch the scheduled performances.
Watford Colosseum released responses quickly after the cancellations, clarifying this is due to “urgent repair work” in the auditorium.
The Watford Observer has asked for further information as to what the repair work entailed, which will be clarified in a later statement which will be released in a few days by Watford Borough Council.
In the original statements released after the cancellations, Watford Colosseum wrote: “We have been taking daily advice and guidance from both the Watford Borough Council and specialists who are conducting the works.”
On November 13, an Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark show was cancelled, which the Colosseum announced was due to “unforeseen technical issues”.
Tonight's performance at Watford has unfortunately been cancelled by the venue due to technical issues within the venue. This was outside our control.
— Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (@OfficialOMD) November 13, 2019
Please do not travel to the concert. Full details to follow.
One attendee expressed her disappointment to the sudden news on Twitter.
Just arrived at the venue to be told it's cancelled. Very disappointing.
— Mike Babb (@babbm) November 13, 2019
It was unclear whether these “technical issues” were related to the repairs made in the auditorium.
Watford Colosseum then confirmed via Twitter on November 15 that all performances scheduled up to and including November 22 would be postponed, which also involved Shiamak’s Winter Funk: Rhythm Nation scheduled for November 30.
In a statement about this published on the website of the Aakash Odedra Company, a dance class involved with Shiamak, it was said “the venue found structural movement to the ceiling of Watford Colosseum”.
In December, four shows were cancelled including acts from Rick Wakeman, Rob Beckett and Adam Kay.
One person claimed she was not told about the cancellation for the Rick Wakeman act, and wasted a journey travelling to Watford.
This is one customer you missed! Got all the way to venue, two hours plus on underground to find it's cancelled! Wasted journey. Not happy and neither is hubby. Was a birthday present. No notification. How long till my refund comes through and will it include £20+ fares??!
— Monica Hayward (@Maniachaywire) December 7, 2019
The Darkness gig for today (December 11) was also cancelled on December 6.
Refunds were issued for all cancelled events.
Watford Colosseum has confirmed that all events from December 12 are scheduled to go ahead and that Watford Borough Council will be issuing an official statement over the cancellations over the coming days.
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