Northants step up concert venue plans

By Paul Bolton, County News Correspondent

Northamptonshire are seeking to increase their non-cricketing revenue by turning Wantage Road into a regular outdoor concert venue.

The county successfully hosted an Elton John concert in 2011 and Madness are booked to appear at Wantage Road in September as part of a five-year joint venture with the Liz Hobbs Agency.

The aim is to stage two concerts a year, including one at the height of summer, with a major American singer lined up for June.

“We are trying to diversify into a more sustainable business model that doesn’t just rely on cricket,” said Northamptonshire chief executive David Smith. “We are investing heavily in our facilities so that we can become a year-round venue. It means more work for us, but that is what we are here for.”

Northamptonshire's ground will have an 18,000 capacity for the Madness concert on September 22. Although tickets have been on sale for only a few days interest in the Wantage Road event has already been strong and Northamptonshire hope to persuade a large number of those who attend to return to watch cricket.

“There has been a lot of interest, ticket sales so far have been encouraging and we are very excited about this,” Smith said. “It’s a chance for people who would not normally come to Wantage Road to see the ground and our facilities and hopefully it will encourage some of them to come back.”


Date: 21/01/2013 15:45:36 by Paul Bolton
In: Today | Northamptonshire |