Caribbean Night postponed for a year due to organiser’s heavy workload

THERE will be no Caribbean Night in Sidmouth this year.

Organiser Ben Harding, who revived the popular reggae bonanza after last year’s FolkWeek, has pulled the plug because of his heavy work load.

The security expert who operates Safeguard, says he wants to ensure the August event keeps its high standards and good reputation.

He insisted this week it was only postponed until 2012, and was not scrapped.

“I have three outdoor events on the same week to cover for security and have to get everything set up and running smoothly. I have decided to postpone it due to being inundated with work.”

He said he couldn’t have 100 men at Knowle Gardens for the Caribbean Night in the same week.

Those who have already bought tickets for Caribbean Night will have their money fully refunded, assured Ben, who lives in Temple Street, Sidmouth.

Last year Ben suffered a hard loss after the first reggae event didn’t attract the huge crowds expected.

“It is financially very risky, but as well, I need to be focusing on my bread and butter work.”

With a line-up of artists booked, including The Dub Pistols, Ben had to make a decision before paying deposits for the ground and bands.

“People are not committing themselves in advance,” said Ben, who would be happier if the 200 advance ticket sales had been nearer 1,000 by this point in the proceedings.

With his workload and concerns over the financial risk, he decided to postpone the event for a year, when he hopes to have Bad Manners on the line-up.