Government was forced to face the music after the Parks Department accidentally double-booked a 13-hour protest concert -- to be held on the same night as a huge wedding reception.

The concert, which was organised by Dred and Baha Productions as a means of protesting the mandatory 1 a.m. cutoff time for concerts, will apparently have a captive audience since the wedding reception is to be held at a residence close to Spanish Point Park.

Since Government changed the cut-off time for concerts from 3 a.m. to 1 a.m.

last year, local organisers have complained that the policy is ruining the local entertainment business.

During a press conference yesterday, Parks Minister John Barritt apologised to the residents of Spanish Point.

Mr. Barritt stated that he and Parks Department director Bill Cook had exhausted all alternatives to the unfortunate double-booking. Mr. Barritt said extra Police would be on duty to control traffic and warned that problems could arise.

He asked that people be "as understanding as possible'' and emphasised his role as a "peacekeeper'' who wanted to be fair to both music-loving concert-goers and residents who disliked the noise and disruption.

When asked whether the 1 a.m. cut-off might be repealed, Mr. Barritt said: "We keep everything under review...We've got to arrive at a balance.'' He noted that a petition protesting the 1 a.m. cut-off would be circulating at the concert and would be presented to him.

Although the concert will begin at noon today, Mr. Barritt said it was intended as an afternoon fun event for children and the music would not begin until evening.

Mr. Barritt mentioned that this is the first of four concerts allowed on Government land for the year.

On July 11 there will be a reggae, rhythm and blues concert at Horseshoe Bay.