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09
Apr
Scott Mills axed from Harrogate’s Ibiza Symphonica line-up
Scott Mills has been removed from the line-up of an outdoor Harrogate concert.
The BBC last week sacked the now ex-BBC Radio 2 and Radio 1 host after it learned Mills was questioned by the Metropolitan Police in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences, which were reported to have occurred between 1997 and 2000, but the investigation was closed due to insufficient evidence.
It later emerged the alleged victim was under 16.
Mills, 53, had been announced as one of the acts set to perform at Ibiza Symphonica at the Great Yorkshire Showground on August 15.
Following news of the allegations, Freddy Mills, founder of Sound & White and lead promoter of Ibiza Symphonica last week told the Stray Ferret any decisions on Mills’ appearance would be made once all relevant information was known.
Mr White today (April 9) announced Mills has been axed from the line-up.
He issued a statement, which said:
We have carefully considered the serious nature of matters in the public domain concerning Scott Mills and have decided to move forward without Scott as part of our line-up.
We feel this is the most appropriate way to maintain the focus on the spirit of Ibiza Symphonica which is an event rooted in enjoyment, celebration, and positivity.
We cannot wait to welcome audiences to what promises to be a joyful and memorable evening on August 15th.
Further line-up announcements will be made in due course.
The news comes after Mills’ name didn’t appear on a recent promotional poster for Ibiza Symphonica, which prompted speculation on social media.
However, when the Stray Ferret contacted Mr White for an update, he directed us to last week’s statement.
It is the latest blow to Mills, who has also been dropped as the host of the BBC’s new Race Across The World spin-off podcast.
Multiple sclerosis charity, MS Society, this week announced Mills would be “stepping back” from his role as an ambassador for the charity - a position he has held for more than 10 years.
In addition, Channel 4 also announced an episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer, which features Mills, would not be aired.
Outgoing director general of the BBC, Tim Davie, said the corporation knew about the investigation into Mills in 2017, but new information had recently come to light which led to his contract being terminated.
Mills released a statement on April 1, saying he fully co-operated with the police investigation at the time and reiterated the "evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges".
He added: "Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter".
The event will be held in the main ring at the Great Yorkshire Showground.
Heather Small, Rebecca Ferguson and Alison Limerick are all still part of the Ibiza Symphonica line-up.
The event is the first major outdoor concert at the showground since Sir Elton John performed in 2012 and will see Ibiza dance anthems reworked by a 40-piece orchestra.
Profits from events at the showground go to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the farming charity that organises the annual Great Yorkshire Show.
A portion of ticket sales from Ibiza Symphonica will be donated to two local charities: the David Brown Foundation, a Harrogate and Yorkshire-based youth and education charity, and Harrogate Theatre Trust, which supports the continued delivery of arts and creative activity within the town.
Tickets, which are on sale now, are limited to a capacity of 8,000. The event will run from 6pm until 10.30pm.
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