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The legendary sound, spirit and attitude of the mighty AC/DC is alive and kicking… and set to be unleashed across the UK in 2017.

THE AC/DC EXPERIENCE – arguably Britain’s best AC/DC tribute band having rocked some of the biggest tribute festivals in the UK – are heading out on an eagerly-awaited nationwide tour.

Tickets for the 13-date UK Tour – which hits London, Manchester, Glasgow, Preston, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Kendal, Dunfermline, Blackpool, Oxford, Bolton and Wigan – are on sale now from
www.acdc-experience.co.uk

THE AC/DC EXPERIENCE brilliantly nail the power and look of the stadium rock god’s incendiary stage performance, backed by a state-of-the-art lighting and projection show.

They have electrifying musical skills to match – each dazzling guitar solo, hard-rock riff and stunning vocal will have audiences convinced they’re watching the real thing.

Authentically covering all eras – expect explosive versions of the classics Highway to Hell, Back in Black, Thunderstruck, Hells Bells, You Shook Me All Night Long, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, T.N.T, Whole Lotta Rosie and many many more.

The AC/DC EXPERIENCE are: Darran Short (vocals); Andy Holt (lead guitar); Steven Wolf (bass); James Stringfellow (guitar) and Dennis Duxbury (drums).

The Lancashire-based band aim to delight rock fans young and old – many left devastated by reports AC/DC themselves may never tour again. The Anglo-Oz greats have lost four core members in the last two years, and founding lead guitarist Angus Young has raised question marks as to their future.

James said: “What has happened to AC/DC over the last two years has been nothing short of heart-breaking. We are all massive fans.

“As professional musicians and die-hard fans, it spurs us on to bring the true spirit of AC/DC to as many people as possible. We absolutely bring the full AC/DC package both in terms of the music and the performance, and the response from audiences across the country has been fantastic.

“Our vocalist Darran is rightly rated as among the best, able to sensationally deliver the signature vocal styles of both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, while Andy is a mesmerising guitarist with the kind of licks and tricks Angus would be proud of!

“In Wolfie, Den and myself we have an incendiary rhythm section that cannot be mistaken for anything other than the heartbeat of AC/DC.

“Fans of AC/DC are very discerning – they will not stand for cheap imitations – and we believe THE AC/DC EXPERIENCE is the closest you will get to the real thing. We aim to shake audiences ‘all night long’ and we cannot wait for this tour to begin.”

THE AC/DC EXPERIENCE 2017 Tour begins on Thursday February 16 at Islington O2 Academy. Tickets, priced from £13, can be bought via www.acdc-experience.co.uk or www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academyislington

THE AC/DC EXPERIENCE 2017 UK TOUR
(click on date below to see ticket details)

16        FEB     Islington O2 Academy
2          MAR   Manchester Academy
9          MAR   The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
10        MAR   Marton Institute, Blackpool
16        MAR   Bootleggers, Kendal
30        MAR   Oxford O2 Academy
20        APR    O2 ABC, Glasgow
21         APR    P.J. Molloys, Dunfermline
28        APR    Roundhouse, Bolton
4          MAY   The Continental, Preston
8          JUL    The Old Courts , Wigan
13         JUL    Newcastle O2 Academy
26        AUG   The Winter Gardens, Blackpool (NW Motorbike Festival)

Music fans will get the chance to go One Step Beyond next summer as Madness are heading to Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

The British pop icons, who have been thrilling audiences for four decades, will headline Europe’s largest open air theatre on Thursday August 3, 2017.

Tickets for the band’s show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre go on sale at 9am on Tuesday December 20.

2016 has been a truly sensational year for Madness as they followed up a phenomenal summer appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage with the release of their 11^th studio album – the critically acclaimed Can’t Touch Us Now.

Featuring the hit single Mr Apples, it instantly went Top 5 on its release in October.

The band’s gig at Scarborough OAT is presented by promoters Cuffe and Taylor, whose director Peter Taylor said: “Madness are a Great British institution who, as proven by their fantastic performance at Glastonbury this summer, remain one of the best live acts around.

“Their new album is right up there with some of their best work and we cannot wait to bring them to Scarborough OAT for what promises to be a night of Madness-style mayhem, unbridled fun and songs that have become ingrained into the nation’s musical psyche over the last 30 years.”

Proudly boasting their most recognisable line-up of Chris Foreman (guitar), Mike Barson (keyboards), Lee Thompson (saxophone), Graham “Suggs” McPherson (vocals), Dan Woodgate (drums) and Mark Bedford (bass) Madness have played to millions of fans over the last 40 years.

Formed in Camden in 1976, they have chalked up 15 UK Top 10 singles – including the timeless Our House, It Must Be Love, One Step Beyond, My Girl, Wings Of A Dove and Baggy Trousers – together with seven Top 10 albums.

Known for their cheeky humour and musical eclecticism, this self-confessed “dysfunctional family” create a unique sound that comes into its own on stage and continues to endear them to fans new and old.

Tickets for Madness at Scarborough OAT, priced from £29.50, go on sale at 9am Tuesday December 20. They are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 844 0444) and www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com or in person from Scarborough Open Air Theatre Box Office (01723 818111) and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636).

Chart topping pop star Olly Murs, experimental orchestra Haçienda Classical, 80s and 90s stars The Human League, Midge Ure, and Dodgy, Ska legends Madness and a host of West End stars will take to the stage over five nights at Lytham Festival 2017.

Lytham Festival organisers are today announcing the full list of headliners for the Main Proms Arena on Lytham Green from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 August.

Tickets for Lytham Festival 2017 are on sale now from www.lythamfestival.com

An extra night of live music is being added to the bill on Wednesday August 2 when pop star Olly Murs will kick off the headlining nights in the Main Proms Arena. Since Olly shot to fame in 2009, he has recorded four multi-platinum albums and produced four Number 1 singles with total record sales exceeding 10 million.

Thursday August 3 sees the increasing popular FAC51 The Haçienda and Manchester Camerata experimental orchestra perform Haçienda Classical. This stunning orchestra recreates the seminal tracks that defined a generation at Manchester’s original Haçienda club, renewed afresh and rearranged for a classical performance.

Friday August 4 is 80s/90s night with live music from electronic new wave band The Human League, Scots singer-songwriter Midge Ure, 90s pop rock trio Dodgy, 80s bands Johnny Hates Jazz and Living in a Box featuring Kenny Thomas, Belgian electronic musicians Technotronic, British-Norwegian 90s pop group A1 and pop rap artist Betty Boo.

Saturday night will see Ska legends Madness headline. The Camden stars have maintained a huge and loyal following since the 1970s and most recently released their 12th studio album Can’t Touch Us Now.

The Traditional Last Night of the Proms night on Sunday August 6 will see the week-long festival close with West End Proms as a string of West End and Broadway stars all take to the stage. Miss Saigon star Lea Salonga, star of Les Miserable and Phantom of the Opera Ramin Karimloo, musical theatre group Collabro, Olivier Award winner Ruthie Henshall, Chicago star Claire Sweeney, 90s pop sensation turned musical theatre star Jon Lee, Blackpool musical theatre star Jodie Prenger, Lytham-born rising West End star Lucie Mae Sumner and English National Opera soprano Jo Appleby will all come together to create West End Proms.

Lytham Festival director Peter Taylor said: “This is a fantastic line-up for Lytham Festival 2017 and one, which we feel, will appeal across generations.

“Every headline act is a huge star nationally and internationally and we are confident this is going to be one heck of a week of live music.”

West End Proms is returning to Lytham Festival 2017 after high winds caused the cancellation of the sell-out show at the 2016 festival.

Peter added: “We were devastated when the weather caused us to cancel West End Proms for 2016 and we were inundated with people who had attended asking us to reschedule for 2017, so that is exactly what we have done.

“Once again I can promise this, along with all our other nights at Lytham Festival, really is going to be a spectacular show and I personally cannot wait to see all these stars back in Lytham.

“It is also testament to the success of Lytham Festival that everyone involved in 2016’s West End Proms wants to return for 2017.”

Tickets for Lytham Festival are on sale now priced from £35 and are available from www.lythamfestival.com or by calling 0844 8154874.

Limited weekend tickets, The Pass, are also available covering all performances in the main Lytham Green arena from Weds 2– Sun 6 August priced at £175.

VIP tickets and hospitality are available at all events in the main Lytham Green arena.

More details www.lythamfestival.com

Line-up Lytham Festival 2017:

Weds August 2 – Olly Murs

Thurs August 3 – Haçienda Classical

Fri August 4 – 80s/90s featuring The Human League, Midge Ure, Dodgy, Johnny Hates Jazz, Living in a Box featuring Kenny Thomas, Technotronic, A1 and Betty Boo.

Sat Aug 5 – Madness

Sun Aug 6 – West End Proms

Pop superstars The Human League, Midge Ure and Technotronic are all heading to Scarborough Open Air Theatre for a night of chart-topping classics.

They join Brit Award winner Betty Boo, Johnny Hates Jazz and Living in a Box featuring Kenny Thomas for a special 80s v 90s night at Europe’s largest open air theatre on Saturday August 5 2017.

Tickets for the concert go on sale at 9am on Tuesday December 20.

This amazing line-up has racked up no fewer than 25 UK Top 10 singles between them and can boast a string of truly global hits.

Peter Taylor, director of Scarborough OAT promoters Cuffe and Taylor, said: “This is an amazing line-up of artists and true pop pioneers whose hits are known the world over.

“We reckon this is shaping up to be the ultimate party night out which is not only about great songs from the 80s and 90s but some truly exceptional and unique live performers.”

Yorkshire’s very own The Human League are the original synth pop pioneers with everyone from Madonna to Moby, Pet Shop Boys to Robbie Williams citing them as a major influence.

The classic line up of Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley not only boast a glorious back catalogue – including the massive US number ones Don’t You Want Me and Human – but an unmistakable, anthemic and an ever-relevant live sound.

Midge Ure’s career has spanned four decades as a former member of Thin Lizzy, The Rich Kids, Visage and, of course, Ultravox with whom he released the smash hit singles Vienna, Love’s Great Adventure and Dancing With Tears In My Eyes.

The Ivor Novello and Grammy Award winner has enjoyed a highly successful career as solo artist and collaborator. Midge scored a 1985 Number 1 with If I Was and, with Bob Geldof, co-wrote Band Aid’s iconic Do They Know It’s Christmas. He has written for a host of other artists and played live alongside such greats as Paul McCartney, Elton John and Eric Clapton.

Technotronic’s fusion of hip-hop and infectious beats pushed house music into the mainstream in 1989 with the massive anthem Pump Up The Jam.

The enduring collaboration between Jo Bogaert and Manuela “Ya Kid K” Kamosiy has, to date, racked up sales of 14 million records including the global smash hits Get Up! (Before The Night Is Over), This Beat Is Technotronic and Move This.

Betty Boo is a Brit Award and Ivor Novello winning singer/songwriter who had a string of hits in the early 1990s with her feisty brand of hip-hop and pop.  A unique, trailblazing artist she has written hit songs for Paloma Faith, Hearsay and Girls Aloud and has collaborated with Rod Stewart, The Feeling, Jack Rokka and with Blur’s Alex James as Wigwam.

Anglo-American band Johnny Hates Jazz were catapulted to fame with the release of their 1987 single Shattered Dreams. It became a Top 5 hit worldwide, reaching number 2 in the USA and Japan. It was followed by hits I Don’t Want To Be A Hero, Turn Back The Clock and Heart Of Gold.

Sheffield’s very own pop-funk group Living In A Box crashed onto MTV and into the charts in 1987 with a song named after themselves and went onto follow it up with the hits Blow The House Down and Room In Your Heart. They have now teamed up with double Brit Award nominee Kenny Thomas, who scored major hits with Thinking About Your Love and Tender Love, to create a true soul-funk-pop super-sound.

Tickets priced from £29.50 go on sale at 9am Tuesday December 20. They are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 844 0444) and www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com or in person from Scarborough Open Air Theatre Box Office (01723 818111) and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636).

Following  the  stunning  success  of  their  Platinum  selling  album  Together  and  29  sold  out shows  across   the  UK  in  2016,  Michael  Ball  and  Alfie  Boe  have  announced  today  that  they  will  return  in  2017  for  a   selection  of  exclusive  dates  throughout  the  country.

Summer  will  see  them  performing  outdoors  at  some  of  the  UK’s  most  beautiful  stately  homes  and   castles,  with  six  dates  announced  in  June.

In  winter,  they’ll  come  back  inside  to  play  10  arena  dates  in   November  and  December.

Tickets  are on sale  from  www.livenation.co.uk  and   www.gigsandtours.com  

Having  first  met  10  years  ago,  performing  together  in  Kismet  at  the  London  Coliseum,  Michael  and   Alfie  became  lifelong  friends.

That  same  year,  Michael  Ball  made  history  as  the  first  musical  theatre  star   to  be  given  a  solo  concert  at  the  Royal  Albert  Hall’s  BBC  Proms,  and  asked  Alfie  Boe  to  join  him  to   perform  at  the  classical  music  festival.

This  instant  personal  connection  and  professional  mutual  admiration  makes  for  the  perfect  pairing  and,   to  the  delight  of  their  hundreds  of  thousands  of  fans  across  the  globe,  has  been  finally  realised  with  the   Decca-­released  ‘Together’  to  spectacular  success.

The  album  has  gone  Platinum  in  just  6  weeks  and   is  on  track  to  become  the  biggest  selling  domestic  release  of  2016!

Michael  and  Alfie  said: “There  are  simply  no  words  for  how  incredible  this  is  for  us. We  have   always  wanted  to  work  together,  it  was  just  a  case  of  getting  the  timing  right.

“We  are  so  grateful   to  all  our  fans  who  have  supported  us  and  everyone  involved  for  believing  in  us.  We  are  literally   having  the  best  time  and  are  so  happy  with  the  success  of  the  album  and  the  tour.”

The  two  critically-­acclaimed  artists  have  received  a  plethora  of  prestigious  awards,  record-breaking   sales  and  chart  successes.

Over  his  extraordinary  30  year  career,  Michael’s  outstanding  performances   have  made  smash-­hit  box  office  history.

He  is  a  double  Olivier  Award  winner,  multi-­platinum  recording   artist,  top  selling  live  concert  performer  and  a  hugely  popular  radio  and  TV  presenter.

Alfie’s  exceptional   voice  has  made  him  Britain’s  most  popular  and  biggest-­selling  tenor. He  has  conquered  the  world’s   greatest  opera  stages  and  arenas,  led  the  cast  of  Les  Misérables,  stole  the  show  at  the  Queen’s   Diamond  Jubilee  Concert  at  Buckingham  Palace –  as  well  achieving  UK  album  sales  of  over  a  million,   and  four  top  ten  albums.

 JUNE 2017 LIVE DATES

SUNDAY 18th              EASTNOR  CASTLE                    LEDBURY

TUESDAY  20th            WALCOT  HALL                         SHREWSBURY

WEDNESDAY 21st       STANSTEAD  PARK                   CHICHESTER

SATURDAY 24th          EUSTON  HALL                         THETFORD

SUNDAY 25th              LINCOLN  CASTLE                    LINCOLN

WEDNESDAY 28th       OPEN  AIR  THEATRE           SCARBOROUGH

Jeff Lynne’s ELO are heading to Hull as part of the 2017 UK City of Culture celebrations.

It is announced today that the globally-renowned group known for their epic live shows will perform a headline concert at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday July 1.

Tickets priced from £35 go on sale at 9am Friday December 16 and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Jeff Lynne’s ELO continue to go from strength to strength with last year’s platinum album, Alone In The Universe a runaway success both commercially and critically. This year has also seen All Over The World – The Very Best Of Electric Light Orchestra tip more than one million sales.

The Hull concert is being presented as a collaboration between music promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Hull UK City of Culture team.

Martin Green, CEO and Director of Hull 2017, said: “Having ELO confirm their plans to come to Hull in 2017 adds to what is turning into an amazing year of music for this city.

“Hull is already a brilliant place for music and we are thrilled that it is attracting more talent during its UK City of Culture year.”

James Deacon, MD of the KCOM’s SuperStadium Management Company added: “Having ELO confirm their plans to come to the KCOM Stadium is amazing after the legacy of Rod Stewart and we look forward to working again with Cuffe and Taylor for such an important year in Hull.”

The announcement Jeff Lynne’s ELO are coming to Hull comes at the end of a phenomenal year where they have enjoyed a sold-out UK arena tour and a crowd-thrilling performance in the legendary ‘tea-time slot’ at Glastonbury.

With a distinct style that seamlessly and innovatively blends rock, pop and classical, Jeff Lynne’s ELO have had 26 UK Top 40 singles to date selling in excess of 50 million records worldwide.

Widely agreed upon as one of the greatest record producers in music history, Jeff was also a co-founding member of The Travelling Wilburys together with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison and Tom Petty before producing and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music including The Beatles.

Tickets to see Jeff Lynne’s ELO at Hull’s KCOM Stadium go on sale at 9am Friday December 16 and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Following the stunning success of their Platinum selling album Together and 29 sold out shows across the UK in 2016, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe today announced they will play Scarborough Open Air Theatre in 2017.

The nation’s favourite musical theatre star and its most beloved tenor will perform outdoors at some of the UK’s most beautiful stately homes and venues next summer before an arena tour in December.

And music promoters Cuffe and Taylor are delighted to reveal that as part of this UK tour Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will head to Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Wednesday June 28.

Tickets for the concert go on sale at 10am on Friday December 16.

Michael and Alfie said: “There are simply no words for how incredible this is for us. We have always wanted to work together, it was just a case of getting the timing right.

“We are so grateful to all our fans who have supported us and everyone involved for believing in us. We are literally having the best time and are so happy with the success of the album and the tour.”

Michael and Alfie, who first performed together a decade ago in Kismet at the London Coliseum, have received a plethora of prestigious awards, record-breaking sales and chart successes.

The two critically-acclaimed artists released their Number One album Together on Decca in October. It features a stunning repertoire from the greatest Broadway shows as well as classic songs both stars have always wanted to record.

Together has gone Platinum in just six weeks and is on track to become the biggest selling domestic release of 2016.

Michael and Alfie join Cliff Richard, The Beach Boys, George Benson, Jess Glynne, Olly Murs, UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey Virtue and indie stars The Charlatans among the star-studded headliners already announced at Scarborough OAT for 2017.

Peter Taylor, director of Cuffe and Taylor, said: “What can you say about Michael Ball and Alfie Boe that has not been said already – they are quite simply musical superstars.

“Following the release of their stunning new album they have been packing out theatres across the UK. Nobody is going to want to miss them together on stage at Scarborough Open Air Theatre – this is going to be a really, really special night.”

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday December 16. They are available from www.livenation.co.uk and www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 844 0444) and www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com or in person from Scarborough Open Air Theatre Box Office (01723 818111) and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636).

Legendary 10-time Grammy Award winner George Benson – whose illustrious career spans five hit-packed decades – is to play Scarborough Open Air Theatre next summer.

The live show on SATURDAY JULY 1, 2017 will feature George’s unmistakable voice, masterful guitar playing and an evening packed with unforgettable classics.

Tickets for the concert at Scarborough OAT – Europe’s largest outdoor theatre – go on sale at 9am on Friday December 16.

George said: “I’m looking forward to performing at Scarborough Open Air Theatre next summer. The UK fans are some of the best in the world and every show is a special experience for us all. Come and join the Benson Party!”

George has played to sell-out audiences this year, including a wonderful night at London’s Royal Albert Hall, following on from the 2015 release of George Benson: The Ultimate Collection – a 36-song collection of his greatest hits.

His stunning back catalogue includes such classics as Give Me The Night, Lady Love Me (One More Time}, Turn Your Love Around, Love X Love and Never Give Up On A Good Thing and In Your Eyes.

The winner of 10 Grammy Awards, as well as becoming a NEA Jazz Master, George has used his jazz roots as the foundation for an engaging mix of pop, R&B and other shades that add up to a style that appeals to a broad mainstream audience.

He continues to astound and engage audiences taking his creative expression to new heights as he did with 2013’s Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole an exemplary work of art and fitting tribute to a legend.

George joins Cliff Richard, The Beach Boys, Olly Murs, Jess Glynne, UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey Virtue and indie stars The Charlatans among the star-studded headliners already announced at Scarborough OAT for 2017.

George’s Scarborough OAT concert is presented by promoters Cuffe and Taylor, whose Director Peter Taylor said: “George Benson is a music icon, a multi-Grammy Award winner and the man behind a stunning catalogue of classic songs.

“His appearance at Scarborough OAT is going to be something truly special for music fans.”

Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday December 16. They are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 844 0444) and www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com or in person from Scarborough Open Air Theatre Box Office (01723 818111) and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636).

One of the UK’s hottest stars Jess Glynne will be Right Here at Scarborough Open Air Theatre in 2017.

The Triple Brit Award nominee and platinum selling artist heads to the Yorkshire coast on FRIDAY AUGUST 11 for what promises to be a stunning headline performance.

Tickets for Jess’s concert at Scarborough OAT – Europe’s largest outdoor theatre – go on sale at 9am on Wednesday December 14.

Jess said: “It’s going to be great fun playing at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on August 11. I love outdoor shows and so I can’t wait to share a summer’s evening on the beautiful Yorkshire coast with my fans.”

Smashing her way into the nation’s consciousness as the vocalist on Clean Bandit’s 2014 Grammy Award-winning Number 1 hit Rather Be, Jess has since become one of the biggest UK breakthrough acts of recent years.

The North London-born singer is one of only two British female solo artists to have five consecutive UK number one singles.

Her chart-topping debut album, I Cry When I Laugh –  which includes the singles Right Here, Hold My Hand, Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself and Take Me Home –  turned double platinum in the UK, making it the biggest selling debut album of 2015.

2016 has been another massive year for Jess, with a sold-out UK arena tour under her belt plus being nominated for British Breakthrough Act, British Female Solo Artist and British Single for Hold My Hand at this year’s Brit Awards.

Jess Glynne joins, Olly Murs, Cliff Richard, The Beach Boys, UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey Virtue and indie stars The Charlatans among the star-studded headliners already announced at Scarborough OAT for 2017.

The Scarborough OAT concert is presented by promoters Cuffe and Taylor, whose Director Peter Taylor said: “Jess Glynne is one of the biggest stars in the UK right now and we are delighted to be bringing her to Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

“Her live shows are stunning, packed with the songs that have been the soundtrack to the last couple of years so we simply cannot wait for August 11^th.”

Tickets go on sale at 9am Wednesday December 14. They are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 844 0444) and www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com or in person from Scarborough Open Air Theatre Box Office (01723 818111) and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636).

Exciting plans were today unveiled for Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool – an adrenaline-fuelled and fun new attraction that will create more than 30 new jobs.

Ice skating stars Daniel Whiston and Karen Barber are looking to reach new heights with business partners Anne and Ben Wade by opening the Fylde coast’s first ever dedicated indoor climbing centre.

Aimed at ages 4 to 104, Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool will provide a host of climbing obstacles that are fun and challenging for all as well as climbing walls all standing at more than 25ft.

The obstacles are themed and include Face 2 Face climbing, Speed Climb, Stairway to Heaven, Twister and Dry Ice. There will also be a Vertical Drop Slide which at 8.5m is the highest of any Clip ‘n’ Climb centre in the UK.

Speed Climb for Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool

A planning application has been submitted to Fylde Borough Council to establish the 2,500 sq ft facility at Whitehills Business Park which, if approved, will see the Fylde-based business partners create 10 full-time and 25 part-time positions.

Speaking about the plans, Dancing on Ice star Daniel said: “We are incredibly excited about Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool. This will be a fantastic new attraction for the whole of the Fylde coast and is something that will appeal to a wide range of people.

 “The obstacles can be as challenging as you want them to be so we hope to see everyone from aged four to 104 enjoying Clip ‘n Climb Blackpool.

 “One of the great things about it is that so many people can get so much out of Clip ‘n Climb. We do expect to be very popular with families and young people but the facilities are also perfect for team-building exercises, confidence building, climbing clubs and exercise.

 “It’s almost climbing walls meeting a theme park.”

Daniel is joined in the venture by fellow TV ice star and Olympian Karen Barber and Fylde-based business partners Anne and Ben Wade. Between them the foursome already operate eight Subway restaurants as well as the recently launched Beach Tavern food-court in Blackpool’s South Shore.

Anne added: “As a business partnership this is something we have been working on for some time now. We all work very well together but we wanted to expand into something different and Clip ‘n Climb is a brand we are really excited about.

 “It’s great to be bringing something completely new and different to the area and something that we feel confident will appeal to such a wide range of people.

“We are also creating 10 full-time and 25 part-time jobs which we are delighted about.”

Clip ‘n Climb was first introduced to the UK 15 years ago after being launched in New Zealand.

The Blackpool attraction will be the first fully independent Clip ‘n Climb in the North West and is the 16^th Clip ‘n Climb to open in the UK.

The planning application also includes plans to build a mezzanine floor in the unit to house a 50plus seater café and viewing area. There will also be a free soft play area for children aged under four.