Sir Tom Jones’ concert at York Racecourse was called off at the last minute due to thunder and lightning storms – leaving fans fuming.
The Thunderball singer had been due to recommence his live tour at the Music Showcase on Friday evening (July 27) after being forced to pull out of five performances due to illness.
The Welsh star had recovered from a bacterial infection and had been given the go-ahead from doctors to play a show after the six races had finished.
However, York Racecourse announced over the public address system at 8.16pm that the singer would not be performing.
And they tweeted out: “York Racecourse apologises to customers after thunder and lightning storms forced the cancellation of the Tom Jones concert at York racecourse on Friday evening.”
The weather meant Sir Tom could not fly up to York from his London home, the racecourse said in a statement:
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The decision was taken after it proved impossible to get Sir Tom to the racecourse given the atrocious weather conditions, with thunder and lightning storms over much of the country during Friday.
As anyone at the track on Friday evening will know, the weather closed in, with a series of storms hitting the course. More significantly similar storms blocked the route of both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft between his London home and Yorkshire.
York Racecourse and Sir Tom wish to apologise to his fans for this disappointment and understand the inconvenience caused.
The lateness of the announcement was beyond their control, another statement said:
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We hope people will understand that travel arrangements for any artist are the responsibility of that artist and their management, the concert and its timings were all agreed well in advance, with Sir Tom Jones management team.
For sake of clarity, the first time that the racecourse management team were aware of a concern about his arrival was at 7.12pm.
Sir Tom tweeted out an apology at lunchtime on Saturday:
So disappointed about York last night and so sorry for you all. But lightening is unpredictable, dangerous and causes havoc so much better safe than talking about something tragic today. Hopefully see you soon, we are working on it.
— Tom Jones (@RealSirTomJones) July 28, 2018
The racecourse is offering disappointed racegoers 50% of their money back.
Both racing and the concert by Boyzone are set to go ahead as scheduled today (Saturday, July 28).
Disappointing news as the @RealSirTomJones concert has had to be cancelled as Sir Tom could‘my get from his London home to @yorkracecourse due to the weather conditions. The course and Sir Tom have apologised to racegoers and 50% refunds will be available. pic.twitter.com/qlpGpSjIUy
— Minster FM Breakfast (@BenandRoxyFM) July 27, 2018
‘Absolute disgrace’
There is no word as yet from Sir Tom Jones on his own Twitter feed.
Many people waiting in the downpours on Knavesmire were not happy. Here is some reaction from those who were expecting to see Sir Tom…
@RealSirTomJones really disappointed that you cancelled show 25 minutes before schedule due to air weather conditions which were evident much earlier in the day. Lots of people including us had to bus from Harrogate due to no trains so there is always an alternative Sir Tom!
— Unique Venue Finders (@UniqueVenueFind) July 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/gilliewilkinson/status/1022939812440035328
@RealSirTomJones what’s happened Tom? York race course is rioting
— badji (@chiefguns) July 27, 2018
@RealSirTomJones @yorkracecourse FUMING. Not being funny but leave it until the last race to cancel?! Not being funny Tom, but you and me both are from Wales and are used to shit weather!! 😡😏
— Kelly 🌻🌵🖤 (@KellyHatfieldx) July 27, 2018
@yorkracecourse absolute disgrace. 30 mins before @RealSirTomJones is supposed to perform. Awaiting my refund. Not impressed.
— Jo Worden (@jod3000) July 27, 2018
Absolutely disgusted that @yorkracecourse has allowed everyone to travel in horrendous weather only to the cancel @RealSirTomJones gig just as it’s about to start and only offered a 50% refund. You’ve allowed us to spend all day knowing this! #yorkraces #TomJones #appalled
— Cassie Irving (@CassIrving) July 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/lady_naser/status/1022926412783800325