Hit Factory Live, the outdoor event due to take place in London’s Hyde Park tomorrow (July 11), has been cancelled.
The pop nostalgia event, which was due to feature the likes of Steps, Rick Astley and Bananarama, has been shelved, with organisers blaming “severe and unprecedented weather conditions” and the lack of turnaround time after last weekend’s Wireless Festival.
Explaining the cancellation, a spokesperson for organisers Live Nation said: “Following the severe and unprecedented weather conditions across the country the site was declared unfit this morning to host the concert. The decision was made following full consultation with all of the relevant authorities and the safety advisory group.”
They continued: “The safety of our customers, performers and production crew is of utmost importance and the decision was made unanimously. The potential risk to staff and music fans was too great for the event to go ahead.”
The company have also said that this weekend’s Hard Rock Calling festival, Madonna’s show on July 17 and the forthcoming Olympic concerts will go ahead as planned, despite the conditions in the park.
John Probyn, Live Nation Chief Operating Officer said: “The moment the Wireless Festival ended, we put in place a massive plan to prepare the site for tomorrow. Eight thousand cubic metres of wood chip is currently being put in place, and over the past 24 hours crews have started to make the site safe for our customers.”
He continued: “Despite best efforts time has beaten us, but I want to reassure that Hard Rock Calling concerts with Soundgarden, Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon, plus Madonna on 17 July and the BT London Live Opening Ceremony Celebration concert and the events will go ahead.”
All tickets buyers for Hit Factory Live will be given full refunds.