Scarborough Open Air Theatre is on course for a record breaking year as more music fans than ever before are set to head to the Yorkshire coast this summer.
More than 45,000 people have already bought tickets for shows by such chart-topping acts as Little Mix, Olly Murs, Kaiser Chiefs, Tom Jones and Cliff Richard.
Last year 50,000 people attended concerts at the OAT – Europe’s largest open air theatre. And with more acts still to be announced promoters Cuffe and Taylor are ready to smash the theatre’s attendance record any day now.
The North-West based company is also set to unveil a new television ad for this summer’s series of gigs at the OAT which will highlight what’s on offer in Scarborough this year.
Cuffe and Taylor director Peter Taylor said: “The response to this summer’s shows has been simply fantastic. We are looking to increase the number of shows from the 11 we held in 2016 to 18 this year. That means thousands more music fans coming to the Yorkshire coast which is fantastic for the local tourist economy.
“Some of the shows are either sold out, or very nearly sold out, so I would advise any fans wanting to come and see their favourite act at the OAT to not delay in securing their tickets.
“This week we have launched a brand-new television advert which will spread the word about what’s going on at Scarborough OAT. We are delighted to be promoting Scarborough and the beautiful Yorkshire coast on the national stage and really can’t wait for the legendary Beach Boys to kick off the first OAT gig of 2017 on May 24.
“There are more big names still to be announced but 2017 is already shaping up to be an amazing year at Scarborough OAT.”
More than 100,000 tickets will go on sale across the 18-planned events for 2017. And with more than 40% of gig goers to Scarborough OAT expected to come from outside the YO postcode area, as they did in 2016, it is estimated the boost to the local tourism economy could be in the region of £5m*
Janet Deacon, Tourism Manager at Scarborough Borough Council, said: “The ever growing summer schedule at the Open Air Theatre is a significant part of the county’s annual event calendar and strong visitor economy.
“These fantastic ticket sales reflect the popularity of the theatre and the reputation of the Yorkshire coast as a great destination for first class entertainment for all the family.”
Following the Beach Boys on May 24 will be Yorkshire’s very own Kaiser Chiefs (May 27) and then indie legends The Charlatans (June 16).
Tickets for concerts at Scarborough OAT are available via 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).