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British reggae legends UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro are returning to Scarborough Open Air Theatre in 2021.

Ali and Astro bring their inimitable blend of reggae and pop hits to the Yorkshire coast on Saturday June 19.

Tickets go on general sale via www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com at 9am on Friday October 23.

UB40 are one of the UK’s most beloved music institutions, achieving three UK Number Ones – Red, Red Wine, I Got You Babe (ft. Chrissie Hynde) and I Can’t Help Falling In Love with You – not to mention 17 Top 10 singles.

Since reuniting six years ago, founding members Ali and Astro – backed on stage by a fantastic seven-piece reggae band – have become a formidable touring outfit. They played a sensational show at Scarborough OAT in 2017 and their 2019 ‘The Real Labour of Love’ tour visited Australia, New Zealand, Europe and America.

Ali and Astro have been active during this year’s enforced hiatus. As well as writing songs for their forthcoming album, they reassembled their touring band remotely to record a lockdown single, a poignant cover of the late Bill Withers’ Lean On Me, in aid of NHS Charities Together.

They are now looking forward to getting back on the road in 2021 with a band comprising bassist Colin McNeish, guitarist Winston Delandro, keyboardist Michael Martin, drummer Paul Slowly, backing singer Matt Hoy and a brass section of trumpeter Colin Graham and saxophonist Winston Rose.

And while a handful of songs from the forthcoming album will feature alongside classic UB40 hits, Ali is keen to include older numbers such as King (about the legacy of American Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King) and One In Ten (about unemployment in the UK) that are, unfortunately, as timely today as when they were first sung in 1980 and 1981.

Ali said: “We wrote King 40 years ago, but it’s still representative of what’s happening in America. It’s depressing that nothing has changed.

“It’s the same with One In Ten in the UK. With the impact the coronavirus could have on jobs, we could soon be looking at unemployment figures on a par with the early Eighties. Those songs will feature in a show we’ve been honing for the past 12 years.

“We’ll always play the classics, like Red Red Wine and (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, but we like to change the beginning and end of the show. We’ll play Lean On Me and maybe add three or four new songs. The band members are all fantastic musicians and we’ve climbed back up to the biggest venues in the past 12 years.”

UB40 ft Ali and Astro join Olly Murs, Keane, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Ru Paul’s Drag Race among Scarborough OAT’s 2021 headliners with more artists still to be announced.

Keane – one of Britain’s most successful and beloved bands of the last 20 years – are heading to Scarborough Open Air Theatre next summer.

The East Sussex chart-toppers delighted their legions of devoted fans by returning from a six-year hiatus in 2019 with brilliant new album Cause and Effect.

And Keane can today confirm they will play a huge headline gig at Scarborough Open Air Theatre – the UK’s largest purpose-built open air concert arena – on Friday July 9.

Tickets go on general sale via www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com at 9am on Friday October 23.

Keane have sold 13 million records worldwide, released four Number One studio albums, won two BRIT awards and an Ivor Novello award.

Their live shows are a stunning spectacle and they had been scheduled to play Scarborough OAT this summer only for the show to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Venue programmer Peter Taylor said: “Keane were obviously going to be one of the major highlights of our 2020 season and so we are delighted to have arranged for them to play a headline show here in 2021.

 “They are an incredible live band. Their songs are beautiful, anthemic, the soundtrack to many people’s lives over the last 20 years, and I’m sure their army of fans cannot wait to see these songs played live here.”

Keane’s 2004 debut album Hopes and Fears, which gave the world such timeless classics as Somewhere Only We Know, Everybody’s Changing, This Is The Last Time and Bedshaped, is ranked among the UK’s 40 best-selling albums of all time.

Their return Cause and Effect – which includes the singles The Way I Feel, Love Too Much and Stupid Things – was produced by David Kosten and Keane themselves, and is the sound of a band rejuvenated.

Olly Murs heads out on a huge 25 date UK tour next summer – including an unmissable date on the Yorkshire coast.

The chart-topping singer – one of British music’s biggest and best loved stars – will play Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Saturday July 10, 2021.

Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday October 9 from www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com

 With much of 2020 coming to a standstill due to the Covid-19 pandemic, next year’s UK Tour aims to put a smile back on the face of the country when Olly will perform his biggest hits, including tracks from his recently certified triple platinum album ‘Never Been Better’.

It will be a triumphant return to Scarborough OAT for Olly who played sold-out shows at the venue – the UK’s biggest outdoor concert arena – in both 2013 and 2017.

Scarborough OAT venue programmer Peter Taylor said: “We are really excited to reveal Olly Murs as our first headline announcement for the 2021 season here at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

 “Olly played two brilliant sold-out shows here in 2013 and 2017 and fans are constantly requesting we bring him back which we are delighted to be able to do.

 “It goes without saying we cannot wait for live music to return to Scarborough OAT in 2021 so it’s fantastic to be able to kick off the announcements for our new season by revealing Olly Murs is returning.

 “We have a brilliant summer of live music to reveal – so watch this space for many more headliners being announced very soon!”

 It has been a busy year for Olly, who recently captained England in this year’s Soccer Aid, and is looking to retain his crown as winning judge on his third series of The Voice, which has currently been postponed at the semi-final stages.

In lockdown, he also managed an impressive body transformation, working closely with personal trainer Rob Solly, and sharing his fitness routine exclusively with Men’s Health. He is also working on new music to be shared next year.

Olly kicks off his tour on June 5^th in Swansea.

OLLY MURS – 2021 UK Tour
Full dates below

June 

Sat 5               SWANSEA, Depot In The Park, Singleton Park
Mon 7             BELFAST, Live At Botanic Gardens

Tues 8             CORK, Live At The Marquee

Thu 10             LONDON, Royal Chelsea Hospital

Fri 11               LONDON, Royal Chelsea Hospital

Sat 26             TELFORD, QEII Arena

July

Fri 2                 CORNWALL, Live In The Wyldes

Sat 3               KENT, The Hop Farm

Thu 8               EXETER, Powderham Castle

Sat 10             SCARBOROUGH, Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Sun 11             LEEDS, Harewood House

Tue 13             OLD MILTON, Chewton Glen

Wed 14           NORWICH, Blickling Estate

Thu 15             BATH, Bath Royal Crescent

Sat 17             HAYDOCK, Haydock Park Racecourse

Tue 20             WARWICK, Warwick Castle

Wed 21           CARDIFF, Cardiff Castle

Fri 23               CARLISLE, Bitts Park

Sun 25             EDINBURGH, Edinburgh Castle

Thu 29             BEDFORD, Bedford Park

Fri 30               NEWMARKET, Newmarket Racecourse

August

Fri 13               COLWYN BAY, Stadiwm Zipworld

Sat 14             NEWBURY, Newbury Racecourse

Sat 28             DARLINGTON, Mowden Park

Sun 29             COLCHESTER, Colchester Castle Park

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!”

Blackpool’s special place in the story of the greatest band of all time will be celebrated when The Mersey Beatles bring their smash hit show to the resort’s famous Winter Gardens.

After wowing sell-out audiences around the globe, the world’s best-loved Liverpool-born Beatles tribute will play an unmissable show at Blackpool Opera House on Saturday November 21.

Tickets – priced just £18 – go on sale at 10am on Friday September 25 from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Beatles themselves played Blackpool no fewer than 11 times – including two sell-out dates at the Opera House in 1964. They also played legendary hits Help! and Yesterday live for the first time anywhere in the world during a live TV broadcast from the resort in 1965.

These unforgettable Blackpool moments will be replayed by The Mersey Beatles on November 21 in a true feel-good show that not only captures the spirit and sound of Beatlemania, but the psychedelic wonder of the Fab Four’s Sgt Pepper album and the melodic brilliance of their later work.

Formed in Liverpool in 1999, The Mersey Beatles – Mark Bloor (John), Steven Howard (Paul), Craig McGown (George) Brian Ambrose (Ringo) any Tony Cook (keyboards) – were the resident Beatles’ band at the legendary Cavern Club between 2002-2012 where they clocked up more than 600 shows.

Since leaving The Cavern, The Mersey Beatles have toured the world many times over winning legions of fans, including members of the Beatles’ own families.

Julia Baird, John Lennon‘s sister: “The Mersey Beatles absolutely nail the sound of The Beatles. They have that brilliant ability to get people up on their feet dancing and John would have loved that!”

And The British Beatles Fan Club described them as: “The best Beatles tribute band around”

The Mersey Beatles know the Fylde coast well. They have played three sell-out nights at Lytham Festival and cannot wait to return to Blackpool on November 21.

Steven said: “We’ve played all over the world in the last 20 years, but Blackpool Opera House is a real bucket list moment for any performer. The list of artists who have performed on that world-famous stage – including The Beatles themselves – is just incredible.

“Blackpool has such a strong connection with The Beatles and their story so we can’t wait to play the very same songs they did when they were here and celebrate those legendary moments with the audience.”

The show is part of the Winter Gardens’ Safe and Sound series of events. The Opera House’s 3,000 capacity has been reduced to 800 to allow for social distancing between audience members. There are also increased public health measures throughout the venue.

Mark added: “Given the global pandemic, this year has obviously been really hard for all musicians. Our world tour was stopped back in February and we’ve been itching to get back out to play for a live audience so this gig is going to be very special.

“It’s brilliant that with the measures the venue has put in place people can come to shows again. We’ve had some great gigs on the Fylde coast – most recently three sell-out nights at Lytham Festival – so it will be great to return and play the Opera House. Blackpool get ready for a fantastic night!”

Due to phenomenal demand HAIM are delighted to announce they have added a very special outdoor UK show to their ‘The One More HAIM Tour’.

The chart-topping sisters – whose critically acclaimed third studio album Women In Music Pt. III is out now – will play Millennium Square, Leeds on Thursday June 24, 2021.

Tickets go on general sale from 9am on Friday September 25 at cuffeandtaylor.com

This extra special Leeds city centre date is part of Haim’s biggest ever headline UK Tour which sees them play a series of huge show across the country in summer 2021 including a night at London’s O2.

It is a welcome and long-awaited return for the Californian sisters Este, Danielle and Alana, who sold out Alexandra Palace twice the last time they were in the UK and were set to headline Latitude festival this summer before the coronavirus crisis forced its cancellation.

The Millennium Square show is presented by Live Nation concert promoters Cuffe and Taylor. Promoter Peter Taylor said: “We are absolutely delighted to add this very special date to Haim’s 2021 UK Tour. Demand for tickets around the UK has been phenomenal and this is going to be an unmissable night with this unique and stunning band.”

Women In Music Pt. III – the follow up to Haim’s sophomore album, Something To Tell You – topped the UK album chart upon release and has been welcomed with an outpouring of critical acclaim and rave reviews.

NME hailed the album “a thing of great beauty” and “their best album yet” in their 5-star review, while Dork called it “the trio’s most daring venture” and Uncut praised its “intriguing experiments,” “creamy vocal harmonies” and “irresistible instrumental hooks.”

In yet more 5 star reviews The Independent called it “a fearless, effervescent album” while the Telegraph proclaimed the record “their best by a distance,” and The Sunday Times made it their Album of the Week, stating “Call it perfect third album syndrome.”

Haim will be joined for their Leeds date by synth-pop singer-songwriter Georgia whose second album Seeking Thrills was a Top 5 hit in the UK earlier this year.

HAIM 2021 UK headline dates:

15 June 2021                          Manchester, U.K.                                O2 Victoria Warehouse

16 June 2021                          Manchester, U.K.                                O2 Victoria Warehouse

18 June 2021                          London, U.K.                                       The O2

19 June 2021                          Nottingham, U.K.                                Motorpoint Arena

22 June 2021                          Glasgow, U.K.                                     The SSE Hydro

23 June 2021                          Cardiff, U.K.                                        Motorpoint Arena

24 June 2021                          Leeds, U.K.                                         Millennium Square

Panto is back in Blackpool this Christmas… OH, YES IT IS!

For the first time in its 157-year history Blackpool’s famous North Pier will present a Christmas pantomime.

The pier’s newly named Joe Longthorne Theatre will present Cinderella from Tuesday December 15 to Sunday December 27.

Starring Britain’s Got Talent winner and Scottish singer-songwriter Jai McDowall as Prince Charming tickets are on sale now from www.ticketsource.co.uk/blackpoolpiers

The production of Cinderella is presented by Blackpool-based International Shows who already programme events in the unique venue.

Managing Director Dominic Creighton was determined to see panto’ return to the resort this Christmas and, due to the vast size of The Joe Longthorne Theatre, the production can be staged with full social distancing in place.

Dominic said: “We are absolutely delighted to be announcing that a Christmas panto is happening in Blackpool this year and that it will be taking place in such a special venue for the very first time.

“Besides The Tower, the North Pier is one of the most striking and historic landmarks on Blackpool’s famous seafront. At the end of the Pier is a theatre which has celebrated some of the most iconic names in British showbusiness so to be bringing a Christmas panto here for the very first time, and to be doing that this year in particular, is very special.”

Featuring amazing special effects, a fantastic fairy, beautiful costumes, wicked ugly sisters and a soundtrack of hit songs you can sing along to, Cinderella promises to be entertaining from start to finish. So, polish your pumpkins, dust off your gowns and grab your glass slippers to find out if Cinderella will go to the ball.

Jai McDowall first found fame when he won the fifth series of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent in 2011 and since then he has toured extensively selling-out shows across the UK. He is no stranger to panto and has starred as Prince Charming in Christmas productions at Windsor Theatre Royal, Leeds CarriageWorks Theatre and The Palace Theatre in Redditch.

Jai also made his West End debut earlier this year appearing in The Pirate Queen at the London Coliseum before embarking on a UK arena tour with Susan Boyle.

And he is looking forward to spending time in Blackpool this Christmas as he has visited countless times since being a youngster and has also performed at venues across the resort including North Pier.

Speaking about his Blackpool Panto debut Jai said: “This is going to be great. I love Blackpool anyway and have always had a soft spot for it. I really didn’t think I’d be in a panto’ this Christmas so I am delighted Dominic and International Shows are able to make it work.

“Going to see a panto’ is such a huge family tradition in the UK so in a year where so many shows and events have had to be cancelled it is absolutely brilliant to be able to come to Blackpool and be part of something that will be really exciting.”

The full cast is yet to be announced but joining Jai as Cinderella will be Lucy-Ella Smith from Lytham St Annes. Lucy studied Musical Theatre at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and has supported artists including Boyzone, Michael Ball, Kerry Ellis, Lesley Garrett, Natalie Weiss, Michael Xavier and the Hallé Orchestra. She has performed in theatres throughout the UK, including Blackpool Opera House, Windsor Theatre Royal, Salford Lowry & The Other Palace (London).

Lucy-Ella added: “It’s so exciting that Blackpool is going to get a panto’ this year and the fact that it’s taking place in such an historic venue for the very first time makes it even more exciting.

“Having grown up on the Fylde coast Blackpool obviously has a very special place in my heart so I am thrilled I’m going to be playing Cinderella in what will be a magical show.”

Cinderella runs at The Joe Longthorne Theatre from Tuesday December 15 to Sunday December 27. Tickets are on sale now from www.ticketsource.co.uk/blackpoolpiers

Celebrity chef James Martin is staging his first ever live cookery masterclass – beamed directly into fans homes!

On Saturday October 3rd Dine In With James Martin will see fans create a stunning three-course meal that will wow family and friends.

James will be teaching everyone the tips, tricks and skills needed to whip up a sensational dining experience, all from the comfort of their own home.

Tickets for this interactive experience go on sale from 10am this Friday (September 11) at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Speaking about Dine In With James Martin, James said: “This will be unlike anything I’ve ever done before as I’ll be beamed directly into people’s homes and while they will see what I’m doing, I’ll also be speaking to some people to see how they are getting on.

“We will be cooking together throughout so I’m really looking forward to taking part in such a fun interactive class.”

“This is an opportunity for anyone who enjoys cooking to work with me to whip up a delicious three-course meal, and they can then wow their family and friends afterwards with the tasty dishes we create.”

Dine In With James Martin is an interactive 90-minute experience where James will guide participants as they cook a three-course meal and he will also invite some people to chat on screen so he can check on their progress.

The menu will consist of:

Starter: Halloumi with chilli jam

Main Course: Chicken Sauté with vinegar and pilaf rice

Dessert: Raspberry Tart

Information about ingredients and the necessary equipment required will be sent to participants in advance.

Dine In With James Martin is presented by Live Nation and Cuffe and Taylor with Limelight Celebrity Management.

Ben Hatton, Director of Theatre Touring for Cuffe and Taylor, said: “We are really excited about Dine In With James Martin. It is a completely new event concept for us but we believe it is one that fans and budding chefs will love.”

“Many of us watch TV chefs and then try to recreate the dish but with this show you can work alongside James and then tuck into a delicious meal afterwards.”

Tickets are on sale from 10am this Friday (September 11) at www.ticketmaster.co.uk