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Margate Winter Gardens shows to go ahead after safety concerns led to events being cancelled

Bosses at an iconic Kent venue say there are no plans to cancel more shows after safety concerns forced some to be scrapped.

Events featuring comedian Al Murray and kmfm DJ Tony Blackburn were postponed at short notice as they were set to appear at Margate Winter Gardens in Thanet, due to an issue with the venue's ceiling.

Comedian Al Murray was set to perform his show Landlord of Hope and Glory
Comedian Al Murray was set to perform his show Landlord of Hope and Glory

Your Leisure, which operates the venue, said concerns were raised a couple of days prior to a scheduled inspection.

But they have since confirmed work is scheduled to be completed late tomorrow.

"There are currently no discussions being held regarding postponing other shows," a Your Leisure spokesman said.

Bongo's Bingo went ahead as planned on Saturday as the backstage area was not required for the event.

Explaining the cancellations in a statement last week, Your Leisure said: "The contractor advised referring the concerns to a specialist concrete consultant to complete a bespoke inspection.

Events at The Winter Gardens in Margate have been cancelled recently. Picture: Chris Davey
Events at The Winter Gardens in Margate have been cancelled recently. Picture: Chris Davey

"The specialist was booked immediately to come out at the earliest time possible.

"When they arrived at the venue on Thursday it was discovered water damage from a leak in the roof had caused minor weaknesses in a part of the backstage ceiling.

"As a precautionary measure, the decision was made to cancel the two events that required full stage use and extensive backstage access whilst a further, more in-depth survey and remedial works, which aim to complete midway into next week, are carried out."

Al Murray was set to perform his show Landlord of Hope and Glory in Thanet on Friday.

The same problems affected Tony Blackburn's BBC Radio 2's Sounds of the 60s show on Thursday which was cancelled hours before it was set to start.

BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 60s with Tony Blackburn was set to show at Margate Winter Gardens
BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 60s with Tony Blackburn was set to show at Margate Winter Gardens

Paul Palmer, head of hospitality and entertainment at Your Leisure, said: "From all of us at the venue, we send our apologies to those customers who were affected by the cancelled shows, and we all share in your disappointment.

"Our team are working with the promoters to reschedule the missed performances.

"Our primary focus was making sure that the backstage area is safe for artists, touring crew and staff, and it is with their safety in mind, we cancelled the performances as a precautionary measure."

Ticket holders can contact the venue box office team via 03333 660 661 or email boxoffice@yourleisure.uk.com.

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