Axed gigs leave big £10k loss for Shugborough estate

The cancellation of two major concerts at Shugborough saw the cash-strapped estate lose out on almost £10,000, it emerged today.

Jools Holland and the National Symphony Orchestra were due to perform last weekend but the plug was pulled when the organisers went into liquidation.

Shugborough, which is battling against an ongoing deficit, was not left out of pocket but lost out on £9,808 in revenue.

County councillor Pat Corfield, cabinet member for culture and communities, said at least the cancellations came before the hiring of stewards and organisation of policing arrangements.

"The estate is not out of pocket due of the cancellation of these concerts, as we were notified before any substantial preparation work was done," he said.

"It would have been nice to have got the concerts. Shugborough has had a deficit for many years.

"At the end of the year we will have £10,000 less. Hopefully this will not affect us."

Four thousand tickets had sold, with refunds provided.

Organisers EMS Promotions instructed McTear, Williams and Wood to assist with placing the company into liquidation.