Shropshire Star

Thousands turn out in Telford for Tom Jones and Olly Murs

After two packed nights hosting the return of live music – and a British legend – a county venue is already looking forward to welcoming its next international rock star.

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Tom Jones performing at Telford's QEII Arena. Picture: Sam Bagnall

Friday saw Telford's QEII Arena as the venue for a performance from Sir Tom Jones, before Sunday evening followed up with pop star Olly Murs.

The pair were scheduled to perform concerts last year but both were postponed due to the pandemic.

With lockdown restrictions now well and truly lifted crowds packed into the Telford Town Centre venue for the first major outdoor concert since the outbreak of the Covid crisis.

Tom Jones performing at Telford's QEII Arena. Picture: Sam Bagnall
Tom Jones performing at Telford's QEII Arena. Picture: Sam Bagnall
Tom Jones performing at Telford's QEII Arena. Picture: Sam Bagnall
Olly Murs performing at Telford's QEII Arena. Picture: Sam Bagnall
Olly Murs performing at Telford's QEII Arena. Picture: Sam Bagnall
Olly Murs performing at Telford's QEII Arena. Picture: Sam Bagnall
Olly Murs performing at Telford's QEII Arena. Picture: Sam Bagnall

In total around 14,000 people attended the two concerts, which also featured a line-up of backing acts.

The concert was put on by promoters Orchard Live in conjunction with Telford & Wrekin Council.

The council says it was delighted at the popularity of the events – and is already looking forward to hosting Canadian star Bryan Adams, whose postponed concert will take place at the arena in July next year.

Telford & Wrekin Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Eileen Callear said: “This weekend’s gigs have drawn visitors locally and from further afield and highlight what a brilliant entertainment programme and rich cultural experience we have in Telford and Wrekin.

“These events help to further the reputation of Telford nationally and also provide a boost for our local economy. Some 14k people attended which I’m sure businesses around the borough will have seen the benefit of, plus the many local residents who attended were treated to a great night out in their home town.

“We worked closely with promoters Orchard Live to support these two fantastic events and we look forward to working with them again next year when they return with another fantastic line up of live music headed up Bryan Adams, whose delayed concert takes place on July 3, 2022, bringing the QEII arena to life again.”