Big Comedy Acts 'Won't Want To Come Here'

There's a warning that big comedy acts won't want to come to Jersey anymore now major events and concerts can't take place at Fort Regent.

That's from the comedy promoter who's brought the likes of Jason Manford, John Bishop and Micky Flanagan to the island.

Safety issues with the likes of emergency exits, lighting and signage means no more than 1,170 people can be in the Fort at one time.

Neal Fryer from Star Stage Productions says these types of acts want to perform in big venues only.

"These people will only perform at the big ones. To try and get an artist to perform at a smaller venue, you've got to ask them to do at least three nights to make it financially worth their while.

"They're just too busy to do it. They just want to come in, do their act and go because their schedule is so tight."

"It's a massive problem. We've all got to find other venues now and when you're dealing with artists who want to do one night in front of 1,974 seats, that's a problem to try to fill with other venues."

A fire risk assessment conducted earlier this week revealed the problems, leaving several event organisers scrambling for new venues at short notice.

That includes the Jersey Symphony Orchestra who were due to perform next month and Gala Concert organised by the Jersey Music service.

More than 200 young people have been rehearsing for the concert since last September.

Assistant Infrastructure Minister Deputy Hugh Raymond says work is underway to solve the issues, but wouldn't confirm whether large events could return to the venue in the future.

A steering group will determine what happens with the Fort in the long-term.