Two major events planned for Southport’s Victoria Park this summer have been cancelled.
Reggae band UB40 were due to perform at the park on July 16, one day before a lineup featuring some of the country’s best known comedians were due to take to the stage.
However, both events have now been cancelled by their promoters, with the charity which manages the park hoping they can be rearranged for next year.
Uncertainty behind the planned easing of lockdown restrictions is among the reasons cited for the decision not to run the shows, along with related fears over insurance risks.
Announcing the cancellations, a spokesman for the park said it was disappointed by the decision and hoped to make an announcement of another event soon.
They said: “Whilst we are disappointed, we understand the promoters decision and are working hard to arrange new dates for 2022 - to be announced soon.
“All ticket holders will be contacted directly by the organisers.“
The Comedy in the Park event was due to feature a line up including John Bishop, Al Murray, Katherine Ryan, Jason Manford, Paul Chowdhry and Judi Love.
M&B, the promoter behind both events said that there were "several" reasons for rescheduling this event.
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They said: “Firstly, despite promises of Covid-specific cancellation insurance for live events, central government has not delivered. The lack of a much-needed safety net for our industry, staff and customers creates huge financial risks.
“Secondly, the potential for local restrictions to be imposed throughout the UK is an important recent change. The national picture on the pandemic changes daily: the ability to close any event, in any area, at any time, still remains. Without Covid-related cancellation insurance, this could cause significant financial difficulties.
“As a responsible promoter and employer, we simply cannot take these risks. At the forefront of our decisions has always been customer safety, and still to this day it remains our number one priority.
“It is incredibly complex to reschedule multiple venues, artists and comedians on a nationwide UK tour. We are currently in the final stages of confirming all 2022 rescheduled dates.”
M&B promised to confirm all rescheduled dates within two weeks and said that tickets sold will automatically rollover to the new 2022 dates.
Victoria Park, off Rotten Row, is still due to host three large-scale events this month - the Sausage and Cider Festival on June 25, Save the Rave Festival on June 26, and Lookalike Festival on June 27.
The British Musical Firework Championships are due to take place there on September 24 and a Spectacular Light Festival will run from November 25-December 23.
