Charlotte show a damp squib

The show starring Charlotte Church was hit by the weather

A show starring schoolgirl singer Charlotte Church has been branded a financial flop after a south Wales council was left with a heavy bill from the event.

The 14-year-old topped the bill at the open air concert in Swansea's Singleton Park in July.

But heavy rain on the night kept the crowds away and only half of the break-even attendance of 8,000 turned up.

I think it's disgusting that the council has made such a loss on an event like this

Richard Lewis, Swansea councillor

Council chiefs refused to reveal the exact loss but admitted it was "substantial."

But independent councillor Richard Lewis said: "I think it's disgusting that the council has made such a loss on an event like this when there are people who need repairs to their homes and urgent medical treatment on the NHS.

"All this concert was about was certain councillors feeding their egos in being able to bring such a big name as Charlotte Church to the city."

The concert on 2 July also starred baritone Jason Howard, massed choirs and the National Chamber Orchestra of Wales.

'Took a risk'

The council refused to say how much Cardiff-based Charlotte was paid for the concert because of a confidentiality clause signed with her agents.

A spokesman for Ms Church's management team declined to comment.

Coun Robert Francis-Davies, cabinet member for culture, said: "We took the risk because we felt it would be good for Swansea but it rained and people did not turn up on the night as expected.

"I think we will probably think twice about inviting such a big star if we stage the event in 2001."

He said the concert had helped put Swansea on the map and brought people into the city.