Rick Wakeman's Crystal Palace Gig Cancelled

The event was also due to feature performances from Hawkwind, Focus, The Strawbs and Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash.

Organisers have posted a note to the official website which explains the reasons for cancelling:

WHY IS IT CANCELLED?

When it was realised that a 1.5 ton scissor lift truck must come on to the stage to erect the sails and rigging some cursory tests were made to the structure.

There was some obvious weather wear to the stage to the temporary boards that were put down some time ago ... it was thought this was only superficial. On closer examination it seemed there might be a bigger problem

A structural engineer was called and rotten joists checked etc it was discovered the delapidation to the stage supports etc was much worse than was at first thought

Any sign off on safety or otherwise of the structure cannot be made possibly for several weeks or more... Not enough time

Under other circumstances postponement to a new date would be an obvious option, but due to the Olympics, no Police support can be used until after the Paralympics and after then, the park already has other events in the diary up to the end of September, after which it is unfeasible to have an outdoor concert...

To me this represented an opportunity that I have been working towards for several years and have been working solidly over 5 months 7 days per week!

I can hardly put into words the frustration I feel...

Refunds are available at point of purchase