Tragedy: Hit Factory Live cancelled due to mud

Those looking forward to the long-awaited reunion of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan will need to wait a little bit longer. Hit Factory Live has been cancelled. Tonight’s evening of nostalgia at London’s Hyde Park was put together by PWL powerhouse Pete Waterman and was due to feature Rick Astley, Pepsi & Shirlie, Princess, Sinitta, and Steps.

Promoter Live Nation issued the following statement:

“Following the severe and unprecedented weather conditions across the country the site was declared unfit this morning to host the concert. The decision was made following full consultation with all of the relevant authorities and the safety advisory group. The safety of our customers, performers and production crew is of utmost importance and the decision was made unanimously. The potential risk to staff and music fans was too great for the event to go ahead.”

John Probyn, Live Nation COO said, “The moment the Wireless Festival ended, we put in place a massive plan to prepare the site for tomorrow. Eight thousand cubic metres of wood chip is currently being put in place and over the past 24hours crews have started to make the site safe for our customers. Despite best efforts time has beaten us, but I want to reassure that Hard Rock Calling concerts with Soundgarden, Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon, plus Madonna on 17 July and the BT London Live Opening Ceremony Celebration concert and the events will go ahead.”

Steve Edwards, Hyde Park manager, said: “Woodchip is being laid on the concert site as part of plans to ensure concert goers can be welcomed back as soon as possible. We are confident that the action being taken will enable Hard Rock Calling and the remainder of the summer concert series to go ahead as planned.”