News, sport and entertainment from the Bournemouth Echo and Dorset Echo.

All-star concerts back on target

From the Echo, first published Friday 10th Jun 2005.

CONCERT promoters say the show will go on after an upsurge in ticket sales.

Organisers of pop and classical music concerts at Weymouth Football Club claim there has been a surge of interest in the events during the past 48 hours.

More than 3,000 tickets have now been sold for each night of the two-day fundraiser at the Wessex Stadium, featuring an '80s revival concert and Proms on the Pitch event.

Stars including former Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley, ABC and Go West will perform at the Radipole Lane venue on Friday June 24.

The following day sees operatic stars Myleene Klass, Aled Jones and male vocal quartet G4 take to the stage in a classical music concert.

Promoters say music fans are now rallying behind the event, having earlier warned ticket sales had been slow. Organisers need to sell 4,000 tickets for the shows to break even.

Event spokesman Lester Holcombe said they are closing in on that figure and there was no threat of the events being pulled. He said: "Tickets sales to both events have really picked up in the last few days and things are going well. More than 3,000 tickets have been sold to both the Legends in Concert and Proms on the Pitch concerts.

"Sales were initially steady, although demand has got a lot stronger in the last 48 hours or so. We've estimated a 5,000 capacity for each night and we remain hopeful of achieving that."

Mr Holcombe stressed that organisers were eager to avoid a repeat of last summer's Wessex Stadium events, when tickets were given away free and people had food and drink confiscated.

"We've listened to complaints about last year's event and our message is that it won't happen this time around," he said.

"Weymouth FC chairman Martyn Harrison wants to put on an event for Weymouth to be proud of. As far as he is concerned he is determined to make a success of this and will keep going year after year until that happens."

Mr Holcombe said audiences this year will be allowed to take their own food and drink to the concerts, although not glass items or alcohol.

"The terms of our licence does not allow people to bring alcohol, although that will be available from the club on the day," he said.

A star-studded football tournament, featuring a host of former professionals, is also planned for the Wessex Stadium on July 3.

Mr Holcombe said names of confirmed players appearing in the Wessex Masters event would be announced later.

Tickets for Legends in Concert are £23.50 for adults and £15 for children under 15.

Proms on the Pitch cost £26 for adults and £15 for under-15s.

Tickets can be booked by calling 0870 264 3333 or 01305 783225.

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