Jam in the Park relocation ‘beyond our control’ - council

Disappointment has been raised that the live music event, headlined by hip-hop legend Grandmaster Flash, will now take place in Mynt nightclub on Saturday, rather than in Larne as was originally planned.

As reported in the Times, one of the organisers said “a number of obstacles have been encountered that we cannot overcome to make the event work the way we had intended. We assessed the situation and decided the best option was to look for an alternative venue.”

Rumours had been circulating that the main event had to be moved after the local authority refused to grant a late entertainment licence.

The council has issued a statement in a bid to set the record straight.

A spokesperson said: “We acknowledge the disappointment of many in relation to the relocation of part of the Jam in the Park event to a new location. There has been much misinformation of confusion surrounding the circumstances leading to the organisers making this decision.

“Organisers had been granted an entertainment licence subject to a number of criterions being met. This included organisers agreeing to follow guidelines on noise control and UK law on the finishing times of evening outdoor concerts which currently states a finishing time of 11pm.

“Council have a responsibility to the community and local residents with regards to noise and are required to follow official guidance on outdoor concerts events as issued by government. Council officers have worked timelessly with the organisers to address these health and safety matters. Indeed officers continue to work, in partnership with the event organisers, to ensure that the events taking place at Inver Park are enjoyable for everyone.

“Council met with the organisers and through discussion the organisers made the decision to move the concert to an indoor venue in Belfast on the basis of having sold 150 tickets and the organisers desire to maintain a finishing time of 2am.

“The circumstances leading to the move of the event to Belfast are beyond the control of Larne Council and we wish the organisers every success in their event.”

While the main event will not take place at Inver Park, live music will be played at LIPS throughout the day. Anyone who bought a ticket for the original event through Ticketmaster is being offered a full refund.