Shugborough concerts scrapped as organiser in cash crisis

Two showpiece concerts at Staffordshire's Shugborough estate have been cancelled at short notice, leaving 4,000 fans disappointed, because the organisers have gone into liquidation, it emerged today.

Jools Holland and the National Symphony Orchestra were due to appear at the venue on consecutive nights next month, but the organiser has now run into a cash crisis. EMS Promotions, based in Norwich, is being handled by insolvency firm McTear, Williams and Wood.

BBC star pianist Holland was scheduled to play the estate near Stafford on August 18, with the National Symphony Orchestra booked the following evening.

County council bosses today said their priority was to help people who had bought tickets to secure refunds.

Cabinet member for communities and culture, Councillor Pat Corfield, said: "We are obviously bitterly disappointed that these concerts have been cancelled due to EMS Promotions, which hired the Shugborough estate as the venue, going into liquidation.

"Our priority is to assist anyone who purchased tickets either from Shugborough directly or through the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre to receive a full refund.

"Undoubtedly many people will be upset that these events will not take place. I would like to reassure people that no other Shugborough events are affected."

People who have purchased tickets directly from Shugborough's ticket office are advised to contact the estate on 01889 881388 from Monday, when the estate will give full refunds. Alternatively, people can email Shugborough.promotions@staffordshire.gov.uk

People who have booked through Stafford Gatehouse Theatre can ring 01785 253 653. Anyone who has got their ticket from elsewhere should contact McTear, Williams and Wood on 0800 0855 070 for advice.