Sheffield O2 Academy closure leaves fans 'out of pocket'

Lee Jones said his older daughters were no longer able to attend due to age restrictions

Music lovers say they have been left "out of pocket" following the sudden closure of the O2 Academy in Sheffield.

Last month, the venue shut temporarily due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) concerns, resulting in event cancellations and postponements.

Some ticketholders said they had been unable to get full refunds for gigs they could no longer attend and complained about a lack of information.

The O2 Academy did not respond when approached for comment.

In a statement dated 28 September, the venue apologised to customers, saying: "Our priority is to ensure the safety of all employees, performers and visitors."

It said ticketholders would be contacted directly with further information.

Sheffield father Lee Jones and his two eldest daughters, Willow and Ella, were due to attend the Punk Rock Factory event on 22 October.

However, due to the closure, performances were moved to The Foundry which meant his children could no longer attend due to age restrictions.

The 42-year-old told the BBC: "The original venue was nine years plus but then it changed to 14 plus.

"My girls are nine and 10, so they were no longer able to go."

The O2 Academy in Sheffield temporarily closed in September

Mr Jones said when he tried to get a refund for his £95 tickets, company SeeTickets "refused, citing terms and conditions".

He said he ended up with a partial refund of £74 which he credits to the support from the band.

Embrace fan David, who did not wish to give his surname, said he too was at risk of losing out.

David was meant to see the rock band on 2 November but the gig was moved to The Leadmill on 19 November.

David said: "I've already got another gig that night.

"So I can either see Embrace and lose all the money for the other gig or see the other gig and lose money on the Embrace gig."

He said when notified by Ticketmaster of the change, the email did not include any information about refund options.

David added: "It's not [the O2 Academy's] fault they've possibly got Raac, but customers shouldn't be out of pocket because of it."

'Impossible to know'

Similarly, a Sheffield resident, who did not wish to be named, said he found the lack of information about upcoming gigs "frustrating".

He said: "I know people with hotels booked and not sure whether to cancel or not. They have to make up their minds soon before they become non-refundable.

"I'd like to know if I should plan to see the bands elsewhere on tour before it's too late.

"It's impossible to know if the rescheduled concerts will actually happen.

"I suspect Sheffield has lost its only mid-sized venue."

Ticketmaster and SeeTickets have been approached for comment.