Mitigating loss on contract cancellation

uninitiated_2

Hello,

Firstly apologies if this is the incorrect forum, I couldn't determine the best one to raise this query.

I was wondering if anyone could help regarding the following query.

I recently cancelled a booking of a venue for December this year. I have since received a letter asking for 75% of the total cost of my intended cost.

I was wondering, if the venue manages to arrange an alternative booking for my date, am I still bound to pay this cost or am I entitled to claim that I should only cover the potential loss/cost of re-booking (if applicable).

The contract states that the venue can claim up to 75% within 9 months of cancellation, but will attempt to mitigate loss if they can do so.

Am I right to say that a final figure shouldn't be decided until its known that this date can't be taken by someone else?

Also am I entitled to claim that, if no event takes place on my date then the costs for services on this date should be deducted? i.e. catering, entertainment etc

Many thanks