LEGENDARY singer Lionel Richie is to perform in Colchester, it has been revealed.

The international superstar, who has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, is to perform open air concerts in parts of the UK next summer including at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The All The Hits tour will be in Colchester on June 25 - two years after the stadium hosted the sell-out concert of Sir Elton John.

Colchester United's media manager Matt Hudson said: "We are really pleased Lionel is coming and we are looking forward to it.

"Concerts such as this are crucial to us.

"Last year, two thirds of of footfall was from non-football events and this will be the pinnacle of that."

An audience of 16,500 watch Sir Elton's concert in 2013 after seating was placed on an artificial cover put over the pitch.

Mr Hudson said the club was looking to sell 15,000 tickets for Lionel's concert, although that could be extended if demand warranted it.

 

Gazette:

The UK fell back in love with the singer last year following a tour which received glittering reviews and culminated in a performance at Glastonbury.

He drew the biggest crowd of the weekend with more than 100,000 people going to the Pyramid Stage.

His album The Definitive Collection reached Number 1 on the UK album charts for the first time in 23 years.

Lionel went on to receive British GQ’s Icon Award adding to awards which have included four Grammys, a Golden Globe and an Oscar.

The singer said: "I had such a great time in the UK this year and I can’t wait to visit new places and meet new people.

"Performing at Glastonbury for the first time was such a thrill for me and given me an appetite to do new things in the UK.

"I know these shows are going to be very special. It’ll be the first time I’ll have been to Colchester and I can’t wait.”

Lionel's concert will feature classics such as Hello, Easy, Dancing on the Ceiling, Say You Say Me and All Night Long.

The concert is part of a nationwide tour which includes arena shows in London and Manchester and open air concerts in the more unusual venues of St Austell, Swansea, Colwyn Bay, Sheffield and Gloucester.

Tickets will range in price from £75 to £40 and will go on sale on Friday *dec 4* at 10am from 08448 24 48 24 (Axs.com), 0844 453 9018 (Ticketmaster.co.uk) and 0844 581 6915 (TheTicketFactory.com).

For Hospitality packages contact 01206 755141 or e-mail commercial@colchesterunited.net.