Kenwood Concerts, a Step Closer to Returning in 2008

The hugely popular Kenwood concert series, which was cancelled earlier this year, could return in 2008 if proposals submitted to Camden Council today (14 December 2007) are successful.

The planning and licence applications, submitted by concert promoters IMG on English Heritage’s behalf, propose that 8 concerts a year would take place in a new location on the Pasture Ground within the Kenwood Estate. The limit on audience numbers would remain at previous levels of 8,000 people per concert.

The proposals also include one respite weekend during the 9 ½ week programme when no concerts would take place and a reduction in the number of firework displays from 7 to just one per concert series. 

Commenting on the applications, Rebecca Kane, English Heritage’s Visitor Operations Director for London said: “Following extensive consultation with local people over the last 9 months, we are optimistic that we have addressed their key concerns about noise levels and the visual impact of the floating stage on the landscape.  We have achieved this by moving the stage from Thousand Pound Pond to a completely new location on the Pasture Ground.  As a result of moving the concert arena the staging costs have been significantly reduced, which means that 8 concerts a year are now viable.   The concert programme was cancelled earlier this year because the number of concerts had been reduced from 10 to 8 in 2006 and as a result they lost money.

“We have included one respite weekend as part of the concert series in order to take into account the views of some local people.  The reduction in the number of firework displays also reflects local opinion as well as ecological considerations.

“We really hope that we can bring back the concerts to Kenwood in 2008.  Prior to their cancellation earlier this year they had been running for 55 years giving a huge amount of pleasure to hundreds of thousands of people.  Not only were the concerts a real highlight in the London calendar but they also provided crucial income for Kenwood House and its estate, which is open free of charge all year round.

“Once both applications have been registered by Camden Council, we will be calling on people to support the new proposals.  Public backing for the concerts is crucial if both applications are to be successful.”

On average around 60,000 people a year came to enjoy the summer concert series at Kenwood.