Organiser 'disappointed' after Chesterfield club cancels Rock Not Racism gig booking ‘for numerous reasons’
Organisers of a Rock Not Racism concert are staying tight-lipped about a new location for the gig and its line-up of performers after a Chesterfield club backtracked on the booking.
The event was due to take place at the Riverside Club on November 30 on the same day as a protest against migrants outside the Sandpiper Hotel.
Kai Harrison, organiser of the concert, said: “We at Love Music Hate Racism Chesterfield are deeply disappointed that the Riverside Club has failed to honour our booking for the Rock not Racism charity fundraiser gig. The club told us this decision was made because the police licensing officer had asked them to cancel. However, when we spoke directly to the licensing officer, he confirmed he had not requested this, was satisfied with our plans, and was happy for the event to go ahead.”
A spokesperson for the Riverside Club said: “I can confirm we did cancel the event for numerous reasons. When the booking got taken, they didn’t specify what the event was, they stated it was a charity event/gathering. We didn’t find out until it was placed on social media and also in the Derbyshire Times. If we had known upon booking, we would have declined as we are a neutral place and do not take any political events of any form. They also requested to change the date, which we couldn’t accommodate. Safety for us is paramount for the staff, customers and general public. As a venue unfortunately we’re unable to accommodate these events.”
Kai said: "When it comes to racism, there is no such thing as neutrality. The organisers of Love Music Hate Racism Chesterfield come from a range of political backgrounds, but we are united by one simple principle — that racism must be opposed wherever it rears its head. “We are proud to say that the gig will go ahead at an alternative venue — and the message of unity and resistance will be heard louder than ever.”
Kai would not reveal the new location of the event “ for fear of further intimidation towards those individuals and owners.”
Kai added: "Some detractors have told us that we should be raising money for other causes, such as for the homeless. But this is not an either/or situation. We can and should stand with refugees and the homeless, oppose racism and poverty. The struggle against racism is inseparable from the fight for a fairer society. Those who tell us to stay quiet about racism while claiming to care about other issues only divide people against one another. If people want to raise funds for other good causes, we encourage them to do so. The more we organise together, the stronger we all become.”