Beyonce Wanted £50,000 Fee To Play Essex Carnival
1 March 2013, 11:58
The 'Love On Top' singer turned down the opportunity to appear at The Maldon Carnival.
The Maldon Carnival in Essex has revealed it tried to coax Beyonce into performing at this year's event – but she turned them down.
Organisers approached several big name celebrities to take part in the small town festival, which is set to take place in August.
Beyonce's representatives were the only ones to express an interest in taking part, but discussions stalled when it emerged that the 'Love On Top' star required a £50,000 appearance fee.
Her team also aired concerns that the crowd would be too small.
In an email, they wrote: "After our conversation it is apparent there is some miscommunication. Beyonce will require an appearance fee to attend your carnival.
"Regrettably, neither the artist nor the promoter will be able to incur the cost of appearance. It is unlikely your carnival will be able to attract the audience required or have the necessary experience to handle such a large event."
Rob Slight, a spokesman for the association behind the festival, told the Telegraph they were still trying to arrange a celebrity appearance despite the setback.
Beyonce will perform in Essex this summer as part of the V Festival, which takes place over the course of two days at sites in Chelmsford and Staffordshire.
