The 2021 line-up at Scarborough Open Air Theatre is set to be unveiled with venue programmers pledging “it will be the biggest and best year ever!”
Like every festival and major music venue, Scarborough OAT – the UK’s biggest purpose-built outdoor concert arena – saw its entire 2020 season wiped out by the Covid-19 pandemic.
But the Yorkshire coast venue’s live music programmers Cuffe and Taylor have spent the last few months working hard on putting together a stellar line-up for 2021.
And the first headline act will be revealed at 8am tomorrow (Friday October 2).
Cuffe and Taylor promoter Peter Taylor said: “It has been an awful year for live music and events but we have spent the last few months planning to return with a real bang in 2021 –and we cannot wait to reveal next year’s line-up.
“It will be the largest number of shows we’ve ever programmed at Scarborough OAT and the line-up will bring together music legends, global chart-toppers and some of the most exciting breakthrough artists of the last few years.
“We are also delighted to be welcoming back a number of artists who have played sell-out shows at Scarborough OAT previously. Fans wanted them back and we are happy to oblige!
“We will be announcing many of our headliners over the next few weeks and we hope to have 90% of our programming for 2021 announced before Christmas, so Scarborough can make plans for a busy summer season.”
Cuffe and Taylor, which is part of Live Nation UK, took over promoting live music at the Scarborough Borough Council-owned Open Air Theatre in 2016. In 2018, a record-breaking 90,000 music fans saw one of 16 concerts at the venue – bringing a multi-million boost to the Yorkshire coast’s tourism economy.
Cllr Phil Kershaw, Scarborough Borough Council Cabinet Member for Quality of Life, said: “It’s been a devastating year for the events and hospitality industry and with nothing for live music fans to enjoy, their spending power within the local economy has been greatly missed.
“While we continue to face the challenges of the virus, we need to look forward to a time when the Open Air Theatre can return to doing what it does best – hosting top class acts, delivering an unforgettable concert atmosphere and helping the local economy bounce back.
“We are 100% behind Cuffe and Taylor’s exciting plans and can’t wait to hear what big names are due to take to the stage in 2021.”
Previous OAT headliners have included Lionel Richie, Britney Spears, The Beach Boys, Kylie Minogue, Lewis Capaldi, Gary Barlow, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Stereophonics and Bryan Adams along with many many more.
Peter added: “Scarborough OAT is a real one-off. It’s not only situated in a stunning part of the UK but is a venue that provides a unique concert experience, one that performers and audiences absolutely love.
“World-renowned stars now want to play this special outdoor arena and we are so thrilled to be able to bring them here. Our challenge every year is to programme a series of concerts that brings together a diverse range of artists – we really want to bring something for everyone.
“And we believe we have achieved that for next summer… roll on 2021!”