Southsea's Wedgewood Rooms announces it will not open until new year amid 'uncertainty' over new restrictions

Organisers for The Wedgewood Rooms in Albert Road, Southsea, does not believe it can hold the shows under the new restrictions.

The decision, announced on its Facebook page today, was taken following consultation with staff, artists and promoters who all agreed to shelve or cancel bookings for safety.

‘(We) have collaboratively decided to reschedule or cancel the few shows that we had scheduled for December,’ the post said.

‘Whilst we are aware that some of the regulations may change, we currently do not feel that we can deliver the shows in the way we had planned under the Tier 2 restrictions.

‘Further, some of the shows include artists from around the UK and we do not feel it is appropriate for them to travel.

‘Whilst we are sad about moving these shows, we are not downhearted. Throughout this pandemic we have always tried to take the long term view, these shows will happen, but not just yet.’

But despite the blow, the venue still plans to open in 2021. ‘We fully intend to open in a socially distanced manner in the new year,’ the statement continued.

‘This is still a challenge we are keen to tackle and one we believe we can do safely given the right set of circumstances.

‘We will always put the safety of our staff, customers and artists above the short term gain of doing a handful of shows. We hope that you understand.’

Organisers said they had ‘several new projects’ for the new year and would be using the time to do more maintenance on the building.

Outlaw Orchestra & Dead Crow Road will now be on January 24, Robert Vincent on January 31, The Jigantics on March 7, and Slady on March 13.

The comedy club has been cancelled with it hoped it can resume in the new year.

It is also hoped Fleetingwood Mac will be performing in the spring.

All existing tickets/bookings remain valid for the rescheduled shows.

Refunds will be available if customers cannot make the new dates.

The Wedgewood Rooms was one of many venues across the country which launched a crowdfunder to help survive. It is currently at just over £23,500 of a £24,000 target. The page is https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/savethewedge

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