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Sally Army's carol concert leaves its traditional venue
The Salvation Army has had to end 40 years of tradition and moved its Christmas concert venue because of rising prices.
The charity traditionally holds its popular carol service at Portsmouth's Guildhall, attracting a crowd of around 1,000.
But this year the event will be held at the nearby New Theatre Royal instead.
It means the band will have to perform two shows instead of one, and even then won't be able to offer as many seats.
Chris Kennett, part of the Salvation Army's advertising team for concert, said: 'We feel sorry that it is not at the Guildhall because it has been there for so long.
'But the people that it attracts do not necessarily have lots of money, and so if we put the ticket prices up to cover costs then we might alienate a lot of people that would like to come.'
The Guildhall costs between 3,000 and 4,000 to hire for a Sunday night in December.
Manager DC Leisure offers the Salvation Army a 50 per cent discount.
But with extra charges for ticket printing and commission, the total bill is around 2,000.
Mr Kennett added: 'The prices have been going up gradually and it has just gotten to the point where the cost is prohibitive.
'We just cannot make that money in ticket sales.
'We understand that the Guildhall is run by a private company and so is treated like a business. But it is a great shame – the Guildhall is a lovely building and the staff have always been very good.
'We hope that the concert will be just as good at the new venue.'
Guildhall manager Danny Green said prices had been increasing over the years in line with inflation, but not substantially.
'There has not been a sudden price hike,' he said.
'But a Sunday night in December is a prime time, and we are not able to offer a discount of more than the 50 per cent we have already offered.'
He added: 'We are disappointed to lose a long-standing customer, as well.
'We have worked hard to accommodate the Salvation Army in the past.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Sunday 12 February 2012
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