LETTER: Venue there to be enjoyed?

With regard to the story '˜Could the bell soon be rung on wrestling' (Herald & Gazette, February 2), the real debate, and one I hope Worthing's councillors will address, is:-
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Feb 2017, 11:00 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 08:56 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Should the Assembly Hall remain dark rather than stage an event that local residents and visitors to the town support and enjoy?

Wrestling has been staged in Worthing theatres since the 1950s.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is a tradition in the town and has been an important part of a varied entertainments programme provided by the council.

Premier Promotions, whom I represent, have been responsible for the shows for the past 23 years.

During that time, we have brought top performers from all over the world to Worthing, while our Christmas events have helped to raise thousands of pounds for the mayoral charities.

Whether you like wrestling or not is not the issue.

The fact is the shows are popular with a wide range of people, in particular with families, many of whom might not visit Worthing’s theatres for any other reason.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A few years ago, the then mayor presented me, on behalf of Premier Promotions, with an award in recognition of our contribution to Worthing life.

While I would dispute some of their figures, and I have received an apology for the way that our long-standing agreement was cancelled and new terms imposed without consultation, I understand where Worthing Theatres are coming from. They are under considerable financial pressure to ensure the Connaught Theatre, Pier Pavilion and Assembly Hall are viable.

But at what cost? Wrestling is not the only long-running show affected in this way. John Mann’s organ concerts ended last year after 34 years based on the same criteria that they were a minority interest and not a money-making concern.

John Freemantle

Langridge Drive

Portslade

---

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news

3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:Wrestling