A SUMMER season of rock gigs especially for young people at Salisbury Arts Centre have been cancelled because too many of the youngsters congregated outside instead of being inside listening to the bands.

Both the Arts Centre and their partner organiser, Bass Connection, this week expressed sadness at having to cancel the Next Generation gigs, designed to provide young people with the chance to enjoy music in a safe environment.

But in a statement, the two organisers said warm weather at the April gig saw more people outside than came in to hear the music.

The statement added: "Concern about the financial viability of poorly-attended events, coupled with the potential impact on local residents and passers-by of large groups of people choosing to congregate in the Arts Centre grounds, have led to this decision."

The next gig was due to take place tomorrow, with another on Friday, June 22.

The Next Generation gigs are run by Salisbury Arts Centre in collaboration with Bass Connection, the music-based youth project run by the Youth Development Service of Wiltshire County Council.

Both of them work together to support young musicians and regular events enable them to develop their skills.

One of the centre's priorities is to provide creative activities for young people in the district.

They want to offer chances for young people to take part in activities and watch performances outside formal educational settings.

Jill Lowe, director of the centre, said they had been working for some time with Bass Connections.

She added: "We are sorry to be cancelling the next two gigs, but hope when they resume in the autumn, young people will support these events."

Keith Gale, of Bass Connection, said: "It is a great shame these gigs have had to be cancelled. I do hope young people will continue to support the gigs next season as they are a great resource for them."

The Arts Centre will now be closed during the evenings of the cancelled gigs and it is hoped the Next Generation gigs will resume again in autumn when the weather is less conducive to standing outside.