The second of the four Carnival Culture in the Park shows at Opera Holland Park, which had been due to showcase calypso and mas on Thursday 18 August, has been cancelled.
The organiser, Carnival Village Trust (CVT), told Soca News there were “a few different factors relating to that specific evening”. The CVT spokesman added: “We felt it was best to make as early a decision as possible for the benefit of those that had bought tickets.” He did not elaborate on the nature of the “different factors”.
Soca News understands 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, although reports suggested that sales for this show have also been disappointing. Some people have criticised a lack of promotion by CVT, suggesting that a show series of this kind should have been marketed up to three months in advance.
At least two of the artistes who had been due to perform at the Calypso Masquerade event only learned about the cancellation from ‘unofficial’ sources. They say that CVT did not inform them the show had been pulled.
Opera Holland Park told Soca News that everyone 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].
As a reminder, before travelling to Holland Park on Friday or Saturday, you should check rail, tube and bus websites for up-to-date information, as considerable disruption is expected from strike action and severe weather.
