Independent live music promoter All Things Live has acquired a majority stake in Ostend Beach Festival in Belgium. The three-day festival hosts more than 100 artists across four different stages and boasts a capacity in excess of 22,500 visitors. Festival co-founder Jan Mortelmans and Kevin Beirens will maintain a minority stake and continue to lead …
Ticketmaster to offer partial refund to The Cure ticket-holders over ‘unduly high’ fees
Ticketmaster will offer ticket-buyers for The Cure’s US tour dates with partial refunds, following complaints over “unduly high” ticket fees. Yesterday (Thursday) frontman Robert Smith said that Ticketmaster’s high fees “sickened” him and went looking for answers from the ticketing company. One fan purchased four tickets at $20 (£17/€19) each, but incurred fees such as …
National Basketball League crowds break records
The National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia and New Zealand welcomed a record attendance for its five-game Finals Series between the Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers. The total of 67,811 fans is the most ever for a NBL Championship Series. The Sydney Kings faced the New Zealand Breakers across five games, with the Kings …
The Cure’s Robert Smith ‘sickened’ by TM fees, calls Platinum option a ‘greedy scam’
The Cure’s Robert Smith has said he is “sickened” by Ticketmaster’s fees on tickets for the English band’s US tour dates. Earlier this week, the band said that they had tried to keep ticket prices as low as possible. It was also announced that tickets for the majority of concerts would be non-transferable to protect …
Kansas City Current extends deal with SeatGeek
Kansas City Current has extended its partnership with SeatGeek, which will power ticketing at the first stadium purpose-built for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side. The Current’s new stadium is set to open in 2024. The side currently stages its home matches at Children’s Mercy Park, home of Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City. …
Ticket resale bill advances in Florida
A bill that would require ticket sellers in Florida to let buyers sell or transfer their tickets after purchase has advanced. Members of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted 6-3 earlier this week for SB 388, which would mean ticket-holders would be able to donate, transfer or resell tickets to a live event. As …
Creative businesses in Belgium to benefit from additional EU financing options
The European Investment Fund (EIF) is providing investment fund ST’ART with access to the InvestEU guarantee facility. This means that ST’ART will be able to launch new products and offer up to €24m (£21m/$25m) worth of financing to cultural and creative businesses in Wallonia and Brussels, in Belgium, over the next three years. The aim …
Formula 1 and MSC Cruises introduce new fan hospitality packages
Formula 1 and MSC Cruises have revealed new fan hospitality packages for this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Fans will be able to purchase hospitality packages on the cruise ship MSC Virtuosa, ranging from cabin-only tickets through to the full F1 Experience option. The full works will include exclusive track activities such as a pit …
Watford Borough Council appoints AEG Presents to operate Watford Colosseum
Watford Borough Council has appointed venue operator and concert promoter, AEG Presents, to run the Watford Colosseum. The 2,000-capacity venue is set to reopen in the English town in 2024 following an extensive programme of improvements and refurbishment. AEG was top of the pile after a rigorous procurement process to find a new operator for …
Queensland selects arts projects for funding scheme
Queensland’s Government has announced more than $2m to develop and showcase new cultural works and create jobs as part of its long-term arts roadmap. Backed by the streamlined First Nations Commissioning Fund and Queensland Arts Showcase Program, the cash will support nine industry placements and six projects receiving funding for the commissioning of new live …