• Sunset Events boss David Chitty says they’re privileged to have the J-Shed and “won’t stuff it up”.  Photo by Steve Grant

SUNSET EVENTS has passed its final hurdle to running concerts at the J-Shed on Arthur Head.

Following meetings last week to allay Fremantle Ports’ concerns about its proposal, boss David Chitty was this week given approval from the WA planning commission to hold the first event early next year.

“In January we have a combination arts/community event, a series of Sunday barbecues, with music and a series of concerts which include touring artists,” Mr Chitty told the Herald.

Just back from organising a festival in Port Hedland, the promoter said it’d been a hard slog getting the project approved—albeit temporarily—and Sunset had earned it.

He said he felt privileged to be operating in the sensitive heritage area and wouldn’t “stuff it up”.

“We’ll be programming touring acts who would be appropriate to a beach setting,” Mr Chitty said.

“It’ll be a certain style of music—I can’t imagine a hard-core rock and roll band, but it would suit a singer/songwriter, something melodic.”

Mr Chitty introduced himself to the local arts precinct meeting a week ago as the new tenant at J-Shed, and says while Sunset will take an active role in the organisation, he’s not interested in a take-over.

Meanwhile, the company’s still waiting for liquor licence approval for the old Drill Hall on Parry Street, but once that goes ahead that venue, formerly the Fly By Night Club, will also roar ahead. He says Sunset hasn’t been paying rent to the National Trust because the deal was reliant on the necessary approvals being given.