Mareel…still waiting
MUSIC fans praying that US singer songwriter Devon Sproule’s concert in Lerwick on Tuesday night would mark the “soft” opening of the town’s brand new music venue and cinema Mareel have been disappointed.
Shetland Arts confirmed on Tuesday afternoon what had long been feared, that the gig has had to shift to the Garrison Theatre because “electrical certification” was not received in time to prepare for the concert.
This is the third anti-climax after initial hopes that fiddle supergroup Blazin’ Fiddles would be able to perform a finale to the Fiddle Frenzy festival on 11 August, and then DJ Kutski was pencilled in for last Saturday. The popular DJ had his performance shifted to Burra public hall, but failed even to make it to Shetland due to fog at the weekend.
Shetland Arts have not said when they expect the first show to be performed, but they have promised the islands’ book and film festivals will take place at the £12 million venue at the end of this month.
Neil Riddell, who is promoting Devon Sproule and Ban, said: “I would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by this last minute change of venue, however Devon and her band are very much looking forward to playing their music for everyone this evening.”
Shetland Arts expressed their “sincerest apologies”, and said ticket refunds could be obtain from Shetland Box Office in Islesburgh Community Centre on 01595 745555 before 7.30pm.
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