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Essex Carnival thought Beyonce would perform for free – Oops

Popular culture
28 February, 2013

Organisers of an annual carnival in Maldon, Essex, were thrilled when multi-award-winning pop star Beyonce agreed to take part.

The Maldon Carnival Association had contacted some of the biggest names in world show business, inviting them to attend their annual summer event, but Beyonce, who headlined at last month’s Super Bowl, was the only one who responded to their plea.

But they were stunned by the pop queen’s £50,000 appearance fee.




Beyonce had already signed up to perform at the weekend’s V Festival just 10 miles away.

Her agent had said: “There is a possibility Beyoncé will be available and hopefully can attend your ‘carnival’ event on August 3.”

But after an awkward follow-up meeting, Bey’s red-faced representatives admitted there had been “some miscommunication”.

A later message from her representative, Edward McHarris, said: “After our conversation it is apparent there is some miscommunication. Regrettably neither the artist nor the promoter will be able to incur the cost of appearance.”

He added: “It is unlikely that your carnival event will be able to attract the audience required or have the necessary experience to handle such a large event.”




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