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Rochester Castle Concerts takeover deal could be close as Medway Council says it is 'quite hopeful' of agreeing terms for 2020 shows

By: Matt Leclere mleclere@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 10:28, 24 January 2020

Updated: 11:15, 24 January 2020

A deal to keep a series of summer concerts going could be close to being agreed.

Medway Council is keen to offload financial responsibility for the Castle Concerts in Rochester after losing £1.6 million in the past 10 years – with £300,000 lost on last year's event.

The Castle Proms event rounds traditionally rounds off the concerts programme at Rochester Castle - but will it be back this year?

But whether the 11th century venue will continue to host the gig remains in doubt after concerns were raised about its size to make enough money.

Cllr Howard Doe (Con) told last night's (Thursday's) full council meeting at the St George's Centre in Chatham he remains "quite hopeful" the council will agree terms with a third party to take over the concerts this year.

"We're looking to see if we can put this on this year. We're in negotiations.

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"We're quite hopeful we may get it this year and if we do that, we will have achieved quite a lot."

He explained artists now tend to make most of their money through live performances rather than record sales and royalties compared to musicians from previous generations.

Craig David sold out Rochester Castle Concerts in 2017, but only managed to sell 2,606 tickets after being brought in last minute in 2019 to replace Jess Glynne

This, he said, meant the 4,500 capacity in the grounds at Rochester Castle might not be able to attract "reasonable artists" to bring in big enough crowds to make the events pay.

He was responding to a question posed by Cllr Alex Paterson (Lab) who also called on Cllr Doe to show a "firm will" that Medway bands and performers are given a chance to take to the stage.

Cllr Paterson added: "In addressing the issue of loss of artistic control over future concerts, [the report] merely says any contract negotiated 'can include opportunities within the programme to showcase local talent'."

Jess Glynne pulled out of performing at Rochester Castle Concerts due to ill health

Cllr Doe defended the £1.6m losses describing them as "not that bad".

"We put on a number of events – festivals, concerts and sporting events. We do them to have a good effect on the Towns and not to make money," he said.

"Many people, including myself, are very proud of our Castle Concerts."

The 4,500 capacity at the Rochester Castle grounds has been labelled as potentially being too small to make enough money

A report published before Christmas revealed discussions are taking place about other sites which could host the concerts.

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Locations suggested include the Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham.

Cllr Doe again came under fire at the meeting after previously criticising pop star Jess Glynne for "disgracefully" cancelling her appearance at the concert.

The Rather Be singer pulled out two weeks before the show due to ill health sparking a large number of demands for refunds from visitors.

The deputy leader said it had forced the organisers to find a last-minute replacement bringing in Craig David but blamed the losses last year on the turmoil.

He was asked to apologise to Glynne regarding his comments at December's cabinet meeting.

"There were circumstances last year but I see no point in going over that again," Cllr Doe said.

Head to our politics page for expert analysis and all the latest news from your politicians and councils.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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