The second of four Carnival Culture in the Park performances at Opera Holland Park, which was due to showcase calypso and mas on Thursday 18 August, has been cancelled.
The organizer, Carnival Village Trust (CVT), said Soca News there were “several different factors relating to that particular evening”. The CVT spokesman added: “We thought it best to make a decision as soon as possible for the benefit of those who had bought tickets.” He did not elaborate on the nature of the “various factors”.
Soca News realizes that the main problem was low ticket sales. It has been suggested that some calypso fans preferred to book instead for the David Rudder concert. However, some people have criticized what they say is a lack of promotion by CVT, suggesting that a series of shows of this type should have been sold out up to three months in advance.
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Others said Soca News that they feel CVT is dominated by steel interests and claim the organization is lukewarm when it comes to promoting or supporting mas and calypso. This is strongly contested by chief executive Matthew Phillip, who points to his take on the Glastonbury Festival as an example of grassroots work and support for the art form. However, it is undeniable that a long-running argument over funding has soured relations between CVT and the calypsonians’ organisation, ACASA.
said Opera Holland Park Soca News that anyone who booked online should have received either an immediate refund or an opportunity to transfer to one of the other shows: Steelpan (Wed 17 Aug), Pan-Jazz (Fri 19 Aug) or David Rudder (Sat 20 Aug – NB this costs £3 more). Those who purchased a ticket directly should email [email protected].
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