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Apology issued after seating issues at Westlife’s Glasgow show forced fans to stand or go home

© Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesWestlife
Westlife

An apology was issued to Westlife fans attending last night’s show at The SSE Hydro after a problem with seating left people forced to stand or seek a refund.

Delays in transporting equipment to the venue meant that some of the floor level seating sections were changed to standing areas.

It meant that people who had paid extra for seats close to the stage were forced to stand, and those unable to do so had to seek refunds.

Fan Mhairi-Louise Brennan told the BBC that she had paid nearly £200 each for her tickets.

She said: “We got a notification just to advise that due to a production error the whole concert would be standing so our VIP third-row seats no longer existed.

“We were with my cousin who has a disability and is not able to stand for long periods of time, so it is a bit unfair.

“The customer service is pretty abysmal to be honest with you.”

Lesia Demianczuk wrote on Facebook: “I had a row d seat, but ended up leaving and have contacted Ticketmaster asking for a full refund.

“I paid £102 to be near the front, so I was disappointed to find out I’d be further back.”

Emma Carson said: “We paid extra to be near the front now it’s a free for all.”

In a statement published ahead of the gig on its website, a spokesperson for The SSE Hydro said: “Due to transport delays, the seating layout for the Westlife show this evening has been changed.

“The event was originally fully seated and is now a seated and standing show. Fans with tickets in the following blocks will now be standing.

“If you are unable to stand or prefer not to, you will be entitled to a full refund from your original point of purchase.

“Westlife are delighted to be back in Glasgow and are very much looking forward to what will be a great night.

“On behalf of the promoter of the event we apologise for any frustration or disappointment this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”

The band apologised on stage for the problems in getting the production equipment to Glasgow from their previous gig in Belfast.

Singer Nicky Byrne said: “The options were, at 7 o’clock tonight, no show or give them the best show that we could give them, which would mean standing on the floor for you guys.

“Rather than send you all home and postpone for another night we thought we’d just go out and give them a great show. We hope you don’t mind.

“So thank you for being so understanding – we really appreciate that.”

A statement today from promoters Live Nation said: “On Tues 28 May Westlife’s Twenty Tour at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro suffered seating configuration adjustments due to the delay of production elements of the Twenty Tour arriving at the arena. This is a rare and isolated incident.

“The remainder of the Twenty Tour at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro and across the U.K. will not be subject to any further seating issues. Westlife are committed to delivering an unmissable show for their dedicated fans.”

The band return for three further dates at the venue next week.