Charities hit as Mayor's Concert is called off (From Swindon Advertiser)

Charities hit as Mayor's Concert is called off

7:10pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News

THE Mayor’s Charity Concert which was due to take place on Saturday has been cancelled because of poor ticket sales.

Organisers have blamed the low take-up on the poor economic conditions as well as the event’s proximity to St Patrick’s Day.

Swindon Mayor Mick Bray, for whose charities of the year the event would have raised money, said: “I think it comes down to the public’s lack of money. “The event was also so close to St Patrick’s Day so I think a lot of people are going out for that.”

The concert was due to feature the Swindon Male Voice Choir, of whom the Mayor is a patron.

“Unfortunately the only date in March that the choir was available was this weekend, so we had little choice but to go with it which is why it’s clashed with St Patrick’s day,” he said.

The event aimed to raise money for the local charities the Mayor supports during the year.

This year’s beneficiaries are Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis, Cruse Bereavement Care and Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind.

However, even though the event will no longer be taking place it is hoped that the charities will receive the money already raised.

“I would like to thank those who have bought tickets and said they don’t want refunds so, while it’s not the amount we would want, we will at least be able to give them something,” said Coun Bray.

The charities have also expressed their dismay at the cancellation.

“It’s really bad news and we’re very disappointed,” said Jackie Wray, of the Swindon Therapy Centre. “We’ve tried to sell tickets on our website and I know others have been promoting the concert as much as possible. It’s such a shame.

“The money raised would have gone into helping those with MS in Swindon, so now we’re going to have to find another revenue stream to replace it.”

However, organisers are confident that a second event planned for next month will help make up for some of the shortfall.

“We have a quiz night planned in April that will also include a fish and chip supper. Any money raised from this event will go towards the same charities,” said Coun Bray.

The quiz is due to take place on April 26. For further details contact the Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis on 01793 481700.