By Salma El-Sakka
A Cornwall music venue that has hosted artists including Paul Weller, Fatboy Slim and McFly is suing Live Nation for more than £1 million, alleging the entertainment giant failed to stage the required number of concerts under a five‑year agreement.
Contract details
The Wyldes, near Bude, is operated by WV Leisure. In 2023 the company signed a deal with Live Nation Music UK, part of Live Nation Entertainment, requiring at least eight concerts a year from 2024 for five years. In return Live Nation would receive a £250,000 annual fee plus commission on ticket sales.
Allegations of poor promotion
According to High Court documents, Live Nation produced only six concerts in 2024 — featuring Simple Minds, Anne‑Marie, James Arthur and Jess Glynne — before ending the agreement. Barrister Oliver Phillips, representing WV Leisure, argued that Live Nation also failed to promote the shows with “reasonable care and skill”. He cited bookings such as Simple Minds and Anne‑Marie on consecutive nights despite differing fanbases, and Jess Glynne and James Arthur back‑to‑back with little audience overlap. Phillips said Live Nation ran no sufficient national marketing campaign and allowed insufficient promotion time, leading to lower launch‑day ticket sales and a substantial loss of around £850,000.
Damages sought
WV Leisure is seeking at least £1,007,789.97 in damages for breach of contract. A hearing has not yet been scheduled, and Live Nation has not yet filed a defence.
