Outdoor gig organisers hope borough race course will rock again this summer

The Jockey Club Live, which puts on concerts at Haydock Park, is confident it will be welcoming top music names to the borough again in 2021.
Olly Murs on stage at Haydock ParkOlly Murs on stage at Haydock Park
Olly Murs on stage at Haydock Park

The high-profile concerts after horse racing meetings have been put on for several years, with fans enjoying shows by the likes of Jess Glynne, Rick Astley and Madness.

The programme for 2021 has already been announced, with legendary singer Sir Tom Jones slated to play in June before Olly Murs, who was catapulted to fame by TV reality show X Factor, is set to make the trip to the borough once again in July.

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While the idea of huge crowds enjoying live music outside may seem a distant prospect under the current lockdown measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, especially with Glastonbury recently being called off for the second year in a row, organisers are confident that the events will be able to go ahead in some form, even if they look a little different to previous editions.

A huge crowd at Haydock Park watching MadnessA huge crowd at Haydock Park watching Madness
A huge crowd at Haydock Park watching Madness

Emma Rogerson, the communications director for The Jockey Club Live, said: “After a really tough year, we are so looking forward to welcoming Olly Murs fans to Haydock Park Racecourse this summer.

“Those that saw Olly’s sold-out performance at Haydock Park back in 2017 will know that he puts on a show like no other.

“We are following the official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England in preparations for our summer of events.

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“With the continued roll-out of vaccinations, we are confident that by the summer we will be able to sing and dance together again.

“Our priority is our customers’ health and safety. We will be working closely with our venues to implement relevant precautions.

“So much can change in the next few months and we are preparing for all possibilities, but remaining positive that fans will return to enjoy music at our venues this summer.

“To reassure our valued customers, we are offering a money-back guarantee if our events have to be postponed or cancelled, so fans can book with confidence.”

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The Jockey Club Live is helped by the fact it is putting on gigs at a large outdoor space rather than an intimate indoor venue, which should make social distancing easier if that is still required.

Singer-songwriter Olly, who is currently on our TV screens as a coach on ITV's The Voice, said he cannot wait to get back to performing in front of crowds again.

He said: “I’m so excited to get back on the road. It’s been a tough year for everyone, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to for the summer.

“I’m very aware that not only am I looking forward to it as playing live is the best part of my job, but also for all the people I employ to put on the shows – from my band, crew – sound, lighting, producers, riggers – that rely on live music to make a living.

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“To go around the UK playing at loads of amazing outdoor venues is going to be pretty special.

“I’ve missed seeing my fans and having that connection with them when I’m on stage. There’s nothing better than actually being able to see your fans singing and dancing to your music.”

Haydock Park is one of several race courses that now puts on summer gigs after a day’s action on the hallowed turf.

Other top names set to play at The Jockey Club Live’s events include Craig David, Nile Rodgers and Chic and The Script.

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Tickets for this summer’s shows at Haydock Park are now on sale. Find out more at thejockeyclublive.co.uk

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