Tickets for a performance by controversial personality Katie Hopkins appear to be selling fast.
She is due to appear at Beau Sejour in May performing her stand up show ‘Free Range’.
Express understands a number of complaints have been made about her visit to Guernsey with one email to all deputies copied to our news desk expressing concerns about the use of “States-owned, States-run public building, which gives the appearance of government endorsement of an individual whose public statements are widely regarded as racist, xenophobic, homophobic, Islamophobic, and deeply divisive”.
Another reader wrote an open letter published by Express earlier this week.
“For Beau Sejour to platform such a person gives a strong message that our government, civil service, and community supports her heinous, harassment-fuelled opinions,” wrote Emily Hubert. “This is contrary to our anti-discrimination legislation, racial hatred law, inclusive community values, and close kinship to refugees given our Occupied history.”
Express understands other people have contacted Beau Sejour directly to share their concerns about the performance.
However, Sam Herridge, Head of Recreation Services, said it’s not down to Beau Sejour’s management to either endorse or censor performers.
“Beau Sejour is a venue hired by a wide range of performers and acts,” she explained.
“The Centre does not selectively choose which acts can and cannot hire its facilities as it is not for the Centre to selectively censor individuals. Rather, it is for the public to vote with their feet by either booking, or not booking, tickets depending on their view on any one act.
“Hiring of the venue by any individual or group is not, and should not be interpreted as, an endorsement from Beau Sejour. Hirers meet all venue operating costs directly related to their performances.”
Beau Sejour is Guernsey’s only publicly owned leisure centre.
Funded by taxpayers since it was built in the 1970s the Centre offers swimming, gym, fitness, sports, and health facilities.
It also has a theatre which doubles as a cinema, and conference rooms and large spaces for other events.
Despite this, Beau Sejour does not generate enough income to cover its running costs.
A review of the leisure centre last year was mainly positive with Beau Sejour said to generate £1.39million per year “in social value for the island”.
This compares with a budget of around £1m from the States which is topped up by lottery profits.
The leisure centre – which opened in 1976 – was described as providing “significant public health benefits”, playing a strong role in rehabilitation and preventative health, with “a high utilisation of the fitness and swimming facilities”.
The review also found that Beau Sejour’s operating costs are “generally well-controlled” with “above average” income from secondary sources.
“The facility is in good visual condition, aided by satisfactory maintenance investment,” found the review.
However, it also suggested a number of recommendations for the future including potential changes to some of the available facilities.