Dizzee Rascal’s Free Beachfront Gig in Margate Axed Hours Before it was Set to Begin
A free beachfront concert in Margate, Kent, by chart-topping rapper Dizzee Rascal has been cancelled just hours before it was set to begin. The Sevenoaks-based musician had posted a video on social media encouraging fans to attend the impromptu event on the Margate Steps at 6pm, which was hosted in advance of his headlining gig at Dreamland in the summer.
According to reports from KentOnline, music promoters Margate Summer Series announced at the eleventh hour that the event had been postponed due to filming taking place in Margate. In a public statement, alongside an image labelling the gig postponed, they said: "Dizzee Rascal will be rescheduled due to filming taking place in Margate today. Hold tight, more news coming soon".
Earlier in the day, Dizzee Rascal had said in a video to his more than half a million Instagram followers: "Tonight in Margate on the Kings Steps, it’s a pull up, don’t call it a pop up, I’m coming down there, we’re going to have a rave up, yeah? You and me, and all your peoples, it’s free, yeah, come down there, Kings Steps, tonight 6pm, I’ll see you there." The video had garnered thousands of views in just a few hours.
A graphic promoting the event had been shared by Margate Summer Series – the promoters behind Dreamland’s big-name summer concerts, among which Dizzee Rascal is due to perform at later this year – saying "bring your friends, your mum, your dad, even your little sister. Everyone’s welcome!" However, Ward councillor for Margate Central and former mayor of the town Cllr Rob Yates (Lab) expressed concerns over the event, describing it as an "irresponsible ticket stunt".
"I sent an email to Dreamland calling it irresponsible," he said. "I know the invite came from Dizzee Rascal himself but this is clearly a ticket stunt for him to play in August." The London-born rapper and Mike Skinner of famed act The Streets are set to perform at the Marine Terrace venue on August 29 as well.
Dreamland’s operations manager Shane Guy wrote in an email to Cllr Yates, which has been seen by KentOnline: "This event is not being organised by Dreamland. We have been in contact with the promoter and management team for Dizzee Rascal with a firm request that it be cancelled immediately and that a statement goes out confirming cancellation to all media and social media channels."
However, it remains unclear what filming was taking place in Margate that led to the postponement of the event. Cllr Yates continued: "I think it’s an irresponsible ticket stunt. It’s clear to me that Dreamland’s promoter is involved in this – the fact that their promoter called me asking if I wanted it cancelled is telling."
The councillor also raised concerns over the safety of the event, stating: "The way I see it, Dreamland/Dizzee Rascal have invited 500,000 people to Margate beach without following the right process. There’s been no liaison with the council – it’s council land, it’s dangerous to hold it right next to the sea, there’s no police, medics or planning." It is understood that Thanet District Council and the police are aware of the situation.
As reported by KentOnline, Kent Police have been approached for comment. The event’s postponement has left fans disappointed, but it is hoped that a new date will be announced in the near future.
The incident has raised questions over the responsibility of event organisers and the need for proper planning and safety measures to be put in place. As KentOnline previously reported, Dizzee Rascal’s free gig in Margate was set to be a one-off event, but it is now uncertain whether it will be rescheduled.
In a statement, Margate Summer Series said that they would provide an update on the situation soon. Fans of Dizzee Rascal are eagerly awaiting news of a potential new date for the event.
Source: KentOnline
