Fans upset as summer gigs moved indoors

Music fans who had booked to see their favourite acts perform at a park in Derby have expressed their disappointment at the shows being moved to an indoor venue.

The Derby Summer Sessions concerts, featuring acts including Jess Glynne, Simple Minds, Blossoms and The Human League, were scheduled to take place in Markeaton Park in July.

However, it was announced on 17 April that the gigs would be moving to the city's new Vaillant Live arena.

Organisers said the switch "allows a better and more consistent experience for audiences and artists alike", but some say the new arrangements are unsuitable and are opting for a refund.

Among them is Dave Caister from Derby, who had bought tickets to see Faithless on 11 July with his partner Karen.

The 63-year-old, who has worked at Glastonbury and Download as an electrician, said: "I booked for a gig outside in the park.

"I love Faithless and saw them tear the place up at Glastonbury about 20 years ago.

"They were coming to play in my back garden [Markeaton Park] and I was quite excited to go and see that, and to suddenly have it moved indoors with no explanation, no apology, I think it's just bang out of order."

He says he has been told he can have a refund from ticket supplier Gigantic, minus any booking fees.

"In total I paid £116.50 for two tickets yet I'll get just £99 back," Mr Caister added. "It's the principle and it really grates."

The BBC has approached Gigantic for comment.

Natasha Jago, from Allenton in Derby, had planned a family trip to see UB40 featuring Ali Campbell perform on 13 July.

Both she and her sister Melanie have autistic teenage daughters who Natasha said would not be able to cope with an indoor venue.

"We were looking forward to the outdoors event because it means that we can go inclusively as a family," said the 34-year-old.

"Family members with autism are able to cope with that environment much better than an indoor one."

The Summer Sessions in Derby in 2024 were the first to be held, with headliners including Sir Tom Jones, Madness and Becky Hill.

Live Nation (Music) UK Ltd was in December granted a licence to go ahead with a second series of shows after a noise objection over the event.

Ticketmaster, one of the agencies which sold tickets to fans, says those who choose not to attend the new venue can opt for a refund.

In a statement it said, "All ticket holders have been contacted directly with updated event details and information on the options available to them.

"We're aware that a small number of fans may have received incorrect information [about refunds], and our Fan Support team is proactively reaching out to those people to assist.

Jo Tomlinson from Alvaston in Derby initially had her request for a refund for the Faithless show denied by Ticketmaster.

"I don't want to go to an indoor venue, especially for that kind of music. It'll be very intense, very loud," said the 61-year-old, who has audio-sensory issues.

"Loud music can affect my ears. I get claustrophobic, too much pushing and things are too busy and I can't get anywhere to go."

In an email seen by the BBC, Ticketmaster said, "Your request has been raised with the appropriate parties for consideration. Unfortunately, your request has been declined by our event organisers."

A spokesperson for the company has since confirmed to the BBC that refunds are being offered.

Derby City Council, which owns Vaillant Live, said "[The promoters] Cuffe and Taylor are valued partners and, while we share the disappointment that the Summer Sessions will no longer take place at Markeaton Park, we respect their decision to change the venue.

"Markeaton Park is a great location for outdoor events, but we understand that large-scale shows can be complex and costly to stage.

"As a third-party agent, we will be contacting any customers who have purchased tickets via the Derby Live website in due course."

A Cuffe and Taylor spokesperson said: "All ticket holders will be contacted directly by their original ticket provider via email.

"This communication will outline updated event details relevant to their booking and provide clear information on the options available to them.

"We're aware that a small number of fans may have received incorrect information, and the Ticketmaster Fan Support team is proactively reaching out to those people to assist."

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