Global superstar Bryan Adams and prince of pop Olly Murs are to headline a sizzling summer of music in Cumbria.

Each today announced separate gigs at Carlisle venues – both saying they can’t wait for dates that will be among the city’s highlights of 2017.

Adams will follow in the footsteps of Sir Tom Jones by staging his gig – on Saturday, July 15 – in Bitts Park.

Murs, meanwhile, is following another knight – Sir Rod Stewart – by revealing he’ll play at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park on Saturday, June 3.

His gig will be the final part of a double-header at the Warwick Road ground, with British reggae legends UB40 playing there the night before.

The concerts will be hailed as huge boosts to the city and wider county – both in terms of profile and the economy – with each bringing with them thousands of fans.

They further confirm Carlisle’s growing credentials as an events city, with venues capable of suiting all tastes and show sizes.

Adams’ gig at Bitts Park will once again see the city park transformed into a huge open-air arena, as it was for Sir Tom in 2015.

The same promotion company that brought that concert to Carlisle has worked with the city council to bring another music icon to the area.

Summer of 69 singer Adams said: “I’m delighted to be heading to Carlisle next summer.

“It will give me an opportunity to perform tracks from my latest album, Get Up , as well as some of my earlier classics. It’s going to be a special show and I hope my fans are able to join me.”

The show is being organised by LCC Live, whose director Les Kidger said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Bryan Adams to Bitts Park for one of just a handful of outdoor shows that he will perform in the UK in 2017.

“Bryan Adams is a legendary musician, having sold millions of albums worldwide.

“He is absolutely superb live and continues to be one of the world’s most loved pop stars. We expect tickets to sell fast.”

Council chiefs are also pleased to have secured such a big name.

Anne Quilter, the councillor responsible for leisure and culture, said: “Following the success of the Tom Jones concert in 2015, we’re delighted to be welcoming another great event to Bitts Park.

“The Bryan Adams open-air concert is sure to provide a boost to the local economy and will draw visitors from across the region.”

Singer and television presenter Murs will roll into Carlisle United’s home as part of his biggest line-up of outdoor gigs to date.

He said: “I am thrilled to play at Brunton Park.

“Outdoor shows are so much fun and I am looking forward to performing my biggest songs on my biggest outdoor tour.”

As one of Britain’s musicians of the moment, Murs is sure to bring a bumper following with him.

Carlisle United chiefs are understood to be delighted with landing such a big name, hot on the heels of Sir Rod’s hit concert in June, a gig that has proven a huge reminder to promoters about the ground’s potential as a gig venue.

Liz Doogan-Hobbs, chief executive of promoters LHG Live, said: “We are delighted to be working with Olly Murs on his UK summer tour.

“Olly is one of the best male solo artists in the UK and the perfect artist for our venues. We expect each show to have a great party atmosphere.”

Tickets for both gigs go on sale on Friday.

Elsewhere, Black Grape – headlined by cult star Shaun Ryder – were said to be delighted with the response they got from fans during their gig at Carlisle’s Old Fire Station on Saturday night.

Cumbria Live: Your complete guide to entertainment in the county. In the News & Star every Thursday.

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