A fire has wiped out the
chance of the English National Opera performing in a summer
spectacular in Rugby.
The event was due to be staged
in the Temple Speech Room in Rugby School in August but has now been
postponed for a year.
A blaze in the room in
February has made it impossible to stage the unique performance.
The aim of the event, called
Rugby Opera, was to put the town on the cultural map of the Midlands
with performances on consecutive days by singers in the English
National Opera.
Marquees were to have been put
up in the Close for members of the public and corporate entertainers.
Concert-goers were to be
encouraged to bring a picnic to make it a truly English summer
occasion.
Rugby Town Centre Manager
Robin Richter said:
“Clearly we are all
disappointed as a lot of work went into planning this event.
“Hopefully we will stage
the event next year and perhaps we will engender even more interest
as a result of this delay.”
Mr Richter said the aim was to
extend the festival to a week-long event after the first year.
He added:
“It’s a set-back but
there is a tremendous will from all the parties involved not to be
too down-hearted and attempt to put the event on next year.
“It’s a delay at this
stage and no more.”
