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Last Updated: Wednesday, 28 July, 2004, 16:10 GMT 17:10 UK
Venue switch for Super Furries
Gruff Rhys, Super Furry Animals
Gruff Rhys will appear with the rest of the band on 12 August
The venue for a gig at Brecon Jazz Festival by Welsh rock band the Super Furry Animals has been switched.

Objectors living near the planned site had signed a petition earlier this month in protest at the event.

The concert will now go ahead at the town's 850-seater market hall instead of in a marquee on Watton Field.

Powys County Council's Brecknock committee considered an application for a public entertainment licence for the marquee on Wednesday.

Councillors were aware there had been considerable debate about this issue
A Powys County Council spokesman

A council spokesman said when the application came up the committee made a suggestion for a venue change and it was accepted.

Residents living near the field claimed earlier this month that the concert had been "sprung" on them, although festival organisers denied there would have been problems.

"There was no real debate about the concerns, the committee just suggested the market hall and Brecon jazz accepted," said the council spokesman.

"The market hall already has a public entertainment licence so, unlike the marquee, there was no need for the festival to apply for a licence once it had accepted the market hall as a venue.

"Councillors were aware there had been considerable debate about this issue, but the concerns by local people didn't really come into it. A suggestion was made and it was accepted."

Lee Collins, the festival's marketing manager, said: "We can confirm that SFA will not appear in the marquee but in the market hall.

Unrest

"We thought that a live band under canvas would have sounded great, but it transpires the marquee isn't suitable.

"There were reports of unrest in the town regarding the concert so that would have played its part."

Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse was nominated for a Brit and starred at Glastonbury

Local resident and town mayor Mike Gittins said: "I'm pleased for the town the band is coming here and I'm pleased the concert will be at the new venue."

Watton Field is surrounded by homes inhabited by senior citizens and there were concerns they would find the noise intimidating.

The Super Furries are regarded as one of the most creative of the modern Welsh bands.

They will kick off the 21st festival on 12 August.

Among the other headlining acts this year are Brit-nomiinated Amy Winehouse, Jane Monheit and Claire Martin.

Two veterans of the British jazz scene, Humphrey Lyttelton and George Melly, will appear once again at the festival.


SEE ALSO:
Petition over Super Furries' gig
14 Jul 04  |  Mid Wales
Super Furries to kick off festival
05 Jul 04  |  Mid Wales
Extra cash for jazz in the streets
13 Jul 04  |  Mid Wales


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