Kidderminster Rocks gig called off (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

This is terrible news for Kidderminster, I feel so sorry for the organisers who feel so passionate about music and what they are trying to achieve for this town, lets face there isn`t a lot happening in kiddy at the besty of times so its ashame that it hasn`t worked out. What about a change of venue.When I attended the Town Hall for Kiddy Rocks the bar organisation was a nightmare, is this the reason for poor ticket sales..? if so employ more staff or extend the bar.. sorted..I also was aware of the way the gigs were advertised, the only way I found out about one particular show was through Facebook, some folk havn`t got a pc let alone FB. Definately needs more ads to get plug these shows & not only get the regulars turning up but convince others that music is alive & well in this otherwise unexcited & at times boring town.

I made similar comments about the earlier gigs cancelled as part of KAF and prompted an angry (probably justified) response from the promoter - I had much sympathy with the effort he had put in but the problems go much deeper than the considerable effort he undoubtedly made. As a strong supporter of all live entertainment, compared to say Worcester, the council support here is poor and the ethos of the current administration is very marginal in its "real" support for the arts. It gives tacit lip service to wanting to promote the evening economy but fails to recognise the true benefits of live music in bringing people in to the town centre in the evening. It doesn't only cover Rock, it also affects the hatchet job they condone on the library Gallery by not actively opposing WCC draconian plans!
Don't get me started on the Town Hall bar contract - its a shambles - and when it was signed, without any input from elected Councillors, a host of us pointed out its appalling shortcomings and predicted problems, but those responsible dismissed them as "unfounded." Many gigs do well elsewhere so it isn't whats on offer that is the problem!

I am the promoter of the Dodgy, Animals and Giltrap events that were cancelled. I am genuinely sad to read that 'Kidderminster Rocks' events have also been cancelled - even though I gather Mr Smith was not a supporter of my events. As a lover of live music I wish anyone well who is trying to promote events in these very tough times, with very tight margins and an apathetic ticket-buying public.

Why have these shows failed? The cynicism and apathy I have encountered while working in Kidderminster is astonishing. From other promoters being suspicious and accusing me of jumping on their bandwagon, to WFDC threatening to impose a £2000 fine on me for every banner I erected, while promoting the events as part of KAF.(Granted, I did not obtain the correct permissions)

Comments on The Shuttle.co.uk such as "...these acts are has-beens" and "...why should we pay £14 - town hall prices" (my shows, all original artists and not tributes, were £11 btw)

and, from one Mr Farmer:
" ...I feel really sorry about Kidderminster's festival losing its three most renowned acts. Some questions need to be asked of the company that promoted the event.”

What questions would you like to ask me, Mr Farmer? Would you like a breakdown of my marketing activity? Would you like a detailed business plan, outlining how much money I lost in trying to bring some top quality events to a seemingly dead and dying town?

As Mr Martin points out above, Kidderminsters problems go much deeper - from the historically appalling bar service at the Town Hall, to the lack of vision at the Town Hall, failing to encourage new and fresh promoters to engage with the Hall and use it for quality events.

I have maintained a good relationship with my three acts who pulled out in August. We discussed a possibility to reschedule the shows, at the Town Hall, later this year.

I submitted several dates to the Town Hall, only to be told, "...We are working with another promoter on similar projects and so unfortunately at this time I feel unable to offer you any dates."

This is what promoters are up against in Kidderminster. A culture of fear and apathy. I have since been offered a meeting to discuss my requirements - with this 'other' promoter present, to answer any of his concerns. I respectfully declined.

Strange. Is this a WFDC policy now, to sit down any new business coming to town, with the competition?? Did WFDC sit down with Caffe Nero and Starbucks - to make sure no-one gets offended at the possibility of a competitor coming to town??

Finally, I must point out that the WFDC Arts Officer, Loz Samuels, has my full and ongoing support. She has a very tough job in this town, and has delivered another excellent KAF in 2012. I am only sorry that my three events did not go ahead and compliment her efforts.

There IS a great live scene in Kidderminster and the Wyre Forest, The Boars Head, The Talbot, The Queens Head, The Rose Theatre to name but a few. There is also an emerging comedy scene in Stourport, at the Civic - and Bewdley Festival is envied up and down the country for its' continued success.

Kidderminster Town Hall - it's time to catch up.