The man bringing Bryan Adams to Carlisle says the superstar can't wait for his city gig.

Les Kidger, director of LCC Live, has landed the deal that will see the record-breaking Canadian play Bitts Park next summer.

It's the second time he's been involved in turning the city centre beautyspot into a giant outdoor concert venue, having taken Sir Tom Jones there in 2015.

Of his latest gig, he said: "It's amazing - great that Bryan Adams has agreed to come to Carlisle.

"We're over the moon that we're able to bring him. It's a much bigger gig than Tom Jones. We're really excited about it."

Adams' gig - on Saturday, July 15 – was announced this week, on the same day that it was revealed that prince of pop Olly Murs will play Carlisle United's Brunton Park home.

Tickets for both go on sale at 9am today.

Murs' concert - on Saturday, June 3 - will be the final part of a double-header that will see British Reggae legends UB40 play there the night before.

Both gigs guarantee a fantastic summer of music for Carlisle, with chart-topping singer Jess Glynne playing Carlisle Racecourse on July 8.

Her popularity is such that it's set a new record for ticket sale speed at the Durdar track.

The landing of a string of big names - at so many different venues - is being seen as a massive boost to Carlisle and its status as an events city.

Summer of 69 singer Adams will only play a handful of gigs in the UK next year, so interest is expected to be particularly high.

Mr Kidger said: "He's only doing six outdoor shows in the country and Bryan's really happy to be coming to Carlisle.

"We expect the demand for tickets to be massive. We can tell that by the interest we've had so far.

"What you're guaranteed with Bryan Adams is a great two-and-a-half-hour show."

Sir Tom's show reminded promoters of the huge potential of Bitts and Mr Kidger is pleased to have struck a deal to return, announcing the deal on the eve of the anniversary of the floods that deluged the park.

"We said to the guys at the council that we'd like to come back and we're pleased to be able to deliver," he added.

"I like Bitts Park. It's a great venue - close to the city centre - with the castle as a backdrop. There was a great atmosphere for Tom Jones."

While Adams is following Sir Tom to Bitts, Murs is taking the lead of another knight - Sir Rod Stewart, who had huge success there this summer - in heading to Brunton.

United chiefs are delighted to be able to follow that up with Murs, further boosting the club's reputation for great entertainment off the pitch - along with this season's table-topping form on it.

They are confident the entire city will feel the benefit of such big events.

Looking back on Sir Rod's success, Phil King, the Blues' sales and marketing director, said: "As a club we were able to raise our profile and increase revenue but businesses in Carlisle also felt the benefits as well, with people coming into the city.

"I think pretty much every hotel within a 15-mile radius was sold out."

At the racecourse, general manager Geraldine Mckay said of Glynne's gig: "As soon as tickets became available on Friday, bookings started coming through.

"It's easily the fastest-selling show we have staged and let’s remember all of the great artists we have welcomed."

Buy your tickets through our Readers Travel, with coach transport from Whitehaven, Distington, Workington, Cockermouth, Maryport, Aspatria.

Book by calling 01228 612211

  • UB40 Friday 2nd June 2, £59.50/£75.50
  • Olly Murs Saturday June 3, £59.50/£75.50
  • Bryan Adams £84.95

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To buy tickets for Bryan Adams visit:

Buy online at www.ticketline.co.uk or call 0844 888 9991

Tickets will also go on sale from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre from 10am

To buy tickets for Olly Murs visit:

www.ollymurs.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

www.lhgtickets.com

Or buy disabled tickets directly from the club: www.carlisleunited.co.uk

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