Written by By Brooke Thomas, CNN Written by Carma Hassan, CNN
While the home of Walt Disney will play host to New York’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony later this month, a similar holiday gathering in Santa Monica has been delayed — because the performer line-up has been canceled.
The Fleetwood Mac and Pitbull-headlined event is part of the Southern California city’s annual tree lighting celebration, which began in 1930. Last year’s ceremony, organized by city’s Community Services Department, featured performances by Carrie Underwood and Shawn Mendes, as well as fireworks.
But organisers reportedly pulled the plug this year after learning that they couldn’t fulfill contractual obligations with LA Models & Talent, an independent talent agency. Instead, the department says, they’re working to book in performances from other agencies.
Video posted to Twitter on Tuesday shows the letter the community services department issued to attendees:
“We regret to inform you that the Los Angeles Police Department has informed us that they will not be providing additional security at the tree lighting ceremony this year. If any additional security personnel become available, you will be notified by the LAPD and we will request them for next year’s tree lighting. The city of Santa Monica appreciates your continued support of its events and also appreciates the attention you are giving this city’s services. Please remember that no tickets will be distributed at this time. Regardless of whether tickets are available for your attendance or not, your behavior at this event will also be monitored and evaluated.”
It concludes with a note letting those in attendance know to come back “as soon as your arrival to the event is confirmed.”
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