Derry City Council has been forced to review its arrangements for next week’s concert in the city by ageing supergroup, the Beach Boys, after an outcry by elderly fans wanting to take fold away seating to the open air event.
The publicity photo featuring former Miss Derry, Katie McCauley, on the fold away chair she had booked for the concert.
The decision follows criticism levelled at the local authority for not initially catering for the elderly.
Thousands of fans – many in their 60s and 70s – of the US group, whose hits date back to the 1960s, are expected to attend the concert being staged at Ebrington as part of the LegenDerry Maritime Festival celebrations.
However, after outraged fans hit out at the possibility of having to stand throughout the entire concert, the council has now agreed to make an area available for fans wishing to bring fold away chairs.
One woman said: “I am very disappointed OAPs will not allowed to bring in foldaway seating to Beach Boys concert next week, considering the fact Beach Boys are probably in their 70s themselves.
“How do they expect 70+ to stand for 90 minutes?
“This concert should be for all citizens of this city, however they should not be discriminated against.
“I understand health and safety issues but I’m sure my mum and her sisters won’t be throwing their chairs anywhere or causing mayhem. Very poor customer care!”
Surfing Derry…. The Beach Boys.
Revealing a designated area for people wishing to sit would be made available, a Council spokesperson said the number of chairs would be restricted and those using the facility may have their view restricted.
The spokesperson said: “Due to a level of demand, Derry City Council has reviewed the existing arrangements for the Beach Boys concert and are going to make an area available for people who wish to bring small fold away chairs onto the site.
“Due to the size of the concert venue, however the number of chairs will be restricted and persons wishing to take chairs along are reminded that it may affect their view of the concert.”
As part of the publicity campaign for the concert, former Miss Derry Katie McCauley was featured after “booking” her deck chair for the concert.
