'Free' Tickets Offered as Pub in the Park Sales Falter
Event's switch to Gunnersbury Park seems not to have succeeded
Previous festivals in Chiswick House Gardens appeared to be well attended . Picture: YouTube
May 30, 2025
The first of a series of live music events in Gunnersbury Park over the summer is taking place this weekend but indications are that the organisers are struggling to sell tickets.
Pub in the Park, which also includes stalls and demonstrations from celebrity chefs, is currently offering ‘free’ entry through seat filling agencies for dates from 30 May to 1 June. The face value is zero but an admin charge of £6.50 is payable for tickets which were originally priced at £44. Seat fillers are often used by event organisers to boost numbers and support the revenue of stall holders and other concessions inside the venue.
The event had been run in Chiswick House Gardens since 2019 and there was previously limited ticket availability in the days before the event. However, it was decided to switch to Gunnersbury Park this year, a venue which had a larger capacity. Events there can host up to 50,000 people whereas Chiswick House Grounds can only be licensed for up to 5,999 attendees.
It is believed that ticket sales have been impacted by the Foodie Festival which took place in Syon Park over the May Bank Holiday which is a similar format describing itself as the ‘Gastro-Glastonbury’.
Pub in the Park’s headline acts for this year were felt by many to be a bit underwhelming with Ministry of Sound Classical, Jack Savoretti, and Soul II Soul topping the bill on separate days as well as some tribute bands. Previous Pub in the Parks have included Texas, Busted, De La Soul, The Feeling, Scouting for Girls and Toploader as well as Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Scouting for Girls were back at the Foodie Festival this year along with Pixie Lott and The Wanted 2.0.
Pub in the Park last year also included a charity gala evening hosted by David and Georgia Tennant with guests including Gordon Brown, Claudia Winkelman, Alex Jones, Romesh Ranganthan, Lenny Henry and Stephen Mangan.
Noise levels from Gunnersbury Park live music events continue to cause concern to local resident but the CIC which runs the park says that it has employed noise management consultants to reduce the impact of events on surrounding areas. The next few months will see a regular series of concerts with amplified music including Waterworks and the Soho House members' event.
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