Classic Moments

15 October 2013

Arthur's Day may be axed after storm


This morning, drinks giant Diageo, who own Guinness refused to confirm if the festival will return next year, saying no decision has yet been made, but insiders say those involved in the event have been informally told it's being scrapped.

The day-long festival, which kicked off in 2009 and has featured world famous acts including The Script, was originally hailed as a success for live music. However, it was shrouded in controversy this year after coming under fire from health officials and parents groups in recent months.

"Arthur's Day 2013 was a great success, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people," a spokesperson told the Herald.

"At this point in time, no decision has been made in relation to Arthur's Day next year."

The outcry over Arthur's Day was not just limited to Ireland with concerned medics from around the world also calling on Diageo to cancel the event.

SLAMMED

Liver disease specialist, Dr Stephen Stewart, slammed the music event as "the unnecessary promotion of alcohol".

"The response has been phenomenal," he said.

"It's been widely reported and discussed in the US and Canada, for example.

"We weren't doing this for coverage or anything like that; we were doing this to stop people dying," he added.

Last month the festival, now in its fifth year, played in over 500 music venues across Dublin and Ireland with headline acts, including Dublin chart toppers The Script and UK singer Emeli Sande.

The Script frontman Danny O'Donoghue, who has been involved with Arthur's Day since the beginning, defended it as a success for live music.

"It's not a big day, it's a music and arts, food and culinary festival," he told the Herald.


"It's giving young people a chance to bring their own ideas and get funding for that," added bandmate Glen Power

Source: Herald / Edited: DannyODonoghue.Net

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