The recession was today blamed for a lack of concerts and comedy shows at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall over the coming weeks.

The next show at the venue — comedian Andy Parsons — is more than a fortnight away on April 8.

The CBSO performed a concet there last Thursday, meaning it will not host a show for three weeks. Spokesman Jonn Penney said it had been a difficult year. “We are quiet at the moment,” he said. “Our diary works about nine months in advance. Nine months ago we were in financial freefall in this country.

“Promoters did not want to commit. They were worried about taking any risks.”

In December, bosses at the Civic decided to run the popular Cheeky Monkey club night as a monthly event rather than every week following a drop in attendance.

The event had run every Friday night for 14 years.

But Mr Penney said the situation was looking up.

“On the plus side, September looks much busier than last year,” he added. “And October is looking to be more busy.

“We are quite pleased with where we are now.

“It has been a difficult start to the year but it is getting far busier now.”

Essential maintenance works are currently being carried out at the Wulfrun and Civic halls.

Tiles are being replaced on the walls of the Wulfrun, while electrical testin is taking place at the Civic.

“When the diary is not full, we start doing maintenance works,” Mr Penney said. “It makes sense while it is quiet here.”

The floor at both halls was sanded down to make it non-slip at a cost of £32,000 at the start of this year.

The varnish was removed from the 80-year-old maple floor to stop revellers suing the venue for trips and falls.

A series of big names are coming to the Civic in 2011, including boy band The Wanted, Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers, comedian Jimmy Carr and singer Adele.