West End concert series closed down over licensing issues

Photo credit: Duality Music UK

‘The Garden at Centre Point’ West End concert series has been closed down by Camden Council due to licensing issues.

Produced by Duality Music and backed by Almacantar, the free concerts (performed near Centrepoint in Central London) started on 27 August and were created with an aim to increase footfall in the area, as well as being paid gigs for performers who may have previously been out of work due to the pandemic.

A spokesperson for Camden Council said: "Camden is right behind its arts and creative industries at this difficult time, which are such an important part of Camden's identity. We are here to work with event organisers to help them put on safe, licensed events.

"This particular event went ahead without a licence and involved very loud music that generated a number of noise complaints. We made repeated attempts to engage with the event organiser to try and agree a way forward but as this was not accepted we were left with no option but to stop the event.

Duality Music responded in a statement: "Following a successful first two weeks, which saw the likes of Emma Hatton, Laura Pick and Jordan Lee Davies safely perform to hundreds of Londoners returning to the city centre to shop, eat and work, Camden Council requested the performances were stopped over concerns on noise.

"Licensing around outdoor theatrical performances is ambiguous and unfortunately in this instance requirements were unclear, however Almacantar is working closely with Camden Council to find a solution so performances can resume as soon as possible."

It is hoped that performances can return to the location at some point however, with the Council saying: "We will continue to offer advice and assistance and hope that performances can return to the space in the near future.”

Fingers crossed, Besties!