Town hall criticises open air venue over 2012 line-up failure

Apollo Leisure, operator of Scarborough’s £3.5m Open Air Theatre, which was opened by the Queen in May 2010 and has attracted a number of worldwide stars including Sir Elton John, has come under increased pressure to announce its 2012 line-up.

Earlier this month, Scarborough Borough Council leader Tom Fox described the delay as “unacceptable” and launched an action plan in an attempt to salvage the coming season at the venue which has helped restore the fortunes of Yorkshire’s most famous resort.

However yesterday, Apollo released a statement saying it had not received the “appropriate support” from the council in order to release its programme in time.

A spokesman said: “Despite having a programme of events and the full marketing and PR campaign ready to launch, we are unable to make any official announcements until such time as we have received the appropriate assurances from Scarborough Council.

“We are extremely disappointed not to be able to announce as planned and as soon as we have received the appropriate support from the council we will launch Scarborough Open Air Theatre’s 2012 Summer Season.

“It is the intention of both Apollo Leisure and Resorts and Ingenious Media to continue to programme a wide range of entertainment into the venue and are committed to working closely with the local community to ensure the venue is accessible to everyone.”

Coun Fox had said plans were being put in place to allow more community use of the venue after expressing concerns Apollo had failed to stick to an agreement on the issue. The council has also asked the company to draw up a business plan which would prove that acts required additional permanent seating and a stage extension, after Apollo claimed this was the reason it had failed to attract high profile performers.

In response to Apollo’s statement, David Archer, strategic director for Scarborough Borough Council, said: “The council notes with some surprise the statement which has been issued by Apollo and awaits their draft programme for 2012’s events.”

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Apollo has pulled out of the bidding to secure a new small casino licence for Scarborough.