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JLS fans in rush for gig tickets
EAGER fans of Peterborough singing sensation Aston Merrygold and his JLS group crew have been snapping up tickets for the star's hotly anticipated homecoming gig.
EAGER fans of Peterborough singing sensation Aston Merrygold and his JLS group crew have been snapping up tickets for the star's hotly anticipated homecoming gig.The 21-year-old will join his bandmates from chart-topping boyband JLS for a performance in front of an expected 20,000 crowd on the city's Embankment on Sunday, July 18.
Concert organisers say advance tickets have been snapped up by the band's famously loyal fanbase since they went on sale at 8am yesterday morning.
Promoter Albie Park said: "The only words I can give for ticket sales are 'absolutely phenomenal'.
"They are selling extremely quickly and at this speed it will be the biggest gig ever at the Embankment.
"With six months to still sell tickets I am very confident we will sell out to capacity.
"JLS are a huge band but I think it's obviously getting a lot of extra attention because Aston is a local boy. This is what we in the business call a homecoming gig."
Although Albie wouldn't be drawn on specific numbers sold yet, if it does sell out the full 20,000 ticket allocation the concert will be one of the biggest in the history of Peterborough.
That would outsell previous pop stars who have performed at the Embankment, such as Pop Idol winner Will Young, who sold around 10,000 tickets in August 2006.
The event will be held on council owned outdoor venue The Embankment, next to the River Nene.
A recent JLS outdoor performance was cancelled after 60 fans were hurt in a crush to see the band turn on Birmingham's Christmas lights.
Stuart Hamilton, the city council's resilience services manager, said: "We are working with the promoter to ensure this event runs smoothly.
"The first safety advisory group meeting for the event will be held in February which will allow the city council, the promoter and emergency services to sit down together and plan our approach."
The show is being produced by Heart FM, who say they are in advanced negotiations with two well known acts to provide support for JLS at the gig.
Heart FM's programme controller Chris Suckling said: "It will be a great outdoor event and we are looking forward to giving Peterborough music fans a great day out.
"We are looking into a few options for support but I can confirm that JLS will be the last act on and the show's main attraction."
The band's hectic schedule has meant Aston has been unable to fit in a hometown gig since an under 18s performance in February 2009. The band are starting a 17-date UK tour next Friday, a week before Aston's 22nd birthday.
Tickets cost 28.50 and will go on general release on Monday. To pre-book a ticket, visit www.heartpeterborough.co.uk or call 08712 200260.
Past gigs at the Embankment
JLS's gig looks set to be the Embankment's biggest show ever, but they are not the first pop superstars to perform at the Peterborough venue.
Back in September 2003 Blue headlined a line-up including Liberty X and Lisa Scott-Lee infront of 14,000 fans.
The first winner of Pop Idol Will Young attracted a crowd of around 10,000 in August 2006.
Miserable drizzle couldn't dampen a well-received September 2007 performance raggae band UB40 at the outoor venue.
However last summer the City Roots festival failed to attract large numbers, with just 400 turning up on its final day..
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