UNITED STATES

Nor’ easter storm wipes out events

Festivals and stadium shows throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states were called off as a powerful storm system swept through the northeastern US. The storm led to coastal flooding, power cuts, travel chaos and the cancellation of events including Ed Sheeran’ s Gillette Stadium concert in Foxborough and AC / DC at New York’ s MetLife Stadium. Organisers of the Oceans Calling festival in Ocean City set for 25-28 September said,“ Tides, floods, and high winds have prevented us from safely continuing the build of Oceans Calling Festival.” Meanwhile, New York City festivals All Things Go, CBGB and Global Citizen were all called off.

IRELAND

Macklemore announces the Free Palestine Tour

The 3Arena in Dublin is to host the first date in US rapper Macklemore’ s Free Palestine Tour, which he announced after being kicked off Ed Sheeran’ s Loop Tour for making pro-Palestine comments on stage. All proceeds from the tour will be distributed among“ organisations supporting Palestine and the Palestine movement” including Anera, Glia, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Taawon, HEAL Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Middle East Children’ s Alliance, Jewish Voice for Peace and Medical Aid for Palestinians. While US dates are said to be in the pipeline, only three shows were initially announced. Following the Dublin date, concerts are planned for Accor Arena in Paris on 29 October and OVO Arena Wembley in London on 30 October.

KENYA

New arena planned for Nairobi

Pan-African developer The Zaria Group has announced plans for a 10,000-capacity, $ 294.5 million, multipurpose arena in Nairobi. The company signed a long-term lease with Kenya Railways Corporation in April, giving it rights to build and operate the arena and an adjoining entertainment district. The first phase of the planned development includes the building of a 140-room hotel and a residential apartment block. The project is to be delivered through Zaria and its Kenyan subsidiary, Metroarena Development Company, with Helios Sports & Entertainment Group also involved as an investor. The venue project remains subject to further regulatory approval. Zaria said it is looking to build arenas in further major African cities, with Lagos and Johannesburg currently under evaluation.

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