Sidmouth Caribbean Night to return despite 2010 loss
SIDMOUTH Caribbean Night will return this summer despite making a loss of thousands of pounds in 2010, says its determined organiser.
SIDMOUTH Caribbean Night will return this summer, despite making a loss of thousands of pounds in 2010, says its determined organiser.
Ben Waring said Saturday, August 6, will be make-or-break for the future of the reggae bonanza he resurrected after a five year absence.
Mr Waring still hopes he can cement Caribbean Night as a yearly community fixture that can boost town causes- but says it will end if this year’s festivities fail to break even.
Colourful fun at Knowle, the day after Sidmouth FolkWeek finishes, will have capacity for nearly 5,000 people when it runs from 5pm to midnight.
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“Last year, the event made a big loss - thousands of pounds,” said Mr Waring, who runs successful security firm Home Safeguard.
“If it doesn’t work this time, I won’t be doing it again,” he added.
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“It was a massive blow. I was expecting to make a loss, but not that much.”
“All I need to do this year is break even. I’m not there to make a big killing - if I was, I wouldn’t be doing it again. Any money that is made will go into the next year.
“My main driving force is the love of the event- the energy and people it should bring to the town.
“Local support is absolutely essential and its imperative people buy advance tickets.
“If they want it back for good, it’s down to the community to bring it back.
“People have got to realise that, if they don’t get behind it, this event will flop.”
Mr Waring said the 2010 spectacle didn’t attract a single complaint.
He felt a combination of bad weather, and choice of date, contributed to last year’s losses. Around 2,000 people attended.
“We did exactly what we set out to do,” said Mr Waring. “It was a good event everybody loved. If everyone is happy, then it is worth it. I’m excited, but it’s a lot of pressure.”
Gwen Dickey’s Rose Royce will perform along with Hurricane Force and Xc’s Reggae and Soca Band. Radio personalities Chris Dinnis and Kevin Kane will front the fun.
Early bird tickets (�11.50) are available from www.carribbean-night.co.uk or Home Safeguard in Temple Street on (01395) 515614.
