Venue closure scuppers teen promoter's first event
BBCA teenager who set up his own events company has seen his first planned gig scuppered by a venue's sudden closure.
Cumberland Council announced on Thursday that Whitehaven Civic Hall was to remain closed until issues with fire safety and asbestos were addressed.
The venue was due to host the tribute band Oasish at its Solway Hall - a show organised by 17-year-old Alfie Goodwin through his newly set-up West Coast events.
Alfie said: "Without music and event locations like the Solway Hall, in towns like Whitehaven especially, there's not much to do."
The venue was shut on 2 May but Cumberland Council, together with operators Rosehill Youth Theatre Trust, said it delayed the public announcement while assessment work was carried out and timescales firmed up.
The Labour-led authority said it aimed to reopen the building in the summer and work was being done to reschedule or move planned events, including weddings.
Cumberland CouncilAlfie said he did not know what would happen to his event that was scheduled for 19 June, but he said it would "definitely go ahead".
"I'll find a way," he said.
"It was really disappointing but I understand it needs to be done, it can't be helped."
Alfie said the closure would have an impact on local people and groups who use the space regularly.
He said: "There's so many things that happen there and so many key groups of people who benefit from it being there.
"It does show how important it is for venues like the Solway Hall to be open."
The Civic Hall is the latest in a string of council-owned venues in Cumbria to close due to building problems.
The Sands Centre in Carlisle has been shut since September 2023 due to issues with RAAC.
The Forum in Barrow, owned by Westmorland and Furness Council, was closed in July 2024 over safety concerns around asbestos.
