The North East had an evening to remember as reggae giants UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue headlined a concert on Sunday night for an impressive bank holiday crowd at The Northern Echo Arena.
Fans from across the region turned out in force, some queuing from as early as 10am, to see the star studded line up of bands in what was the biggest music event in Darlington since Elton John nearly 10 years ago.
The afternoon opened with hotly tipped Raging Fyah, followed by The Original Wailers whose set perfectly suited the hot sunshine. Mark King’s Level 42 then performed a set full of hits which ensured everyone was dancing and singing before UB40 took centre stage. Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue backed by one of the world’s best reggae bands played all of their greatest hits, from Red Red Wine to Kingston Town, closing the evening with a set that left the crowd in a reggae frenzy.
The day was hosted by Smooth FM who also ensured the crowd were entertained between sets even including a wedding proposal between local couple Scott and Tina – and thankfully Tina said yes!
Mowden Park Managing Director Lee Rust was delighted with the Club’s first concert saying:
‘’This event has literally been years in the making for us. An enormous amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to get Mowden Park to this stage. It was another milestone in our journey.’’
‘’Our Arena event team led by Danny Brown have worked tirelessly alongside Liz Hobbs Group(LHG Live) to deliver something special for the region and we’re immensely proud of what’s been achieved.’’
‘’We believe our venue can attract world-class music on an annual basis and off the back of this success I’m looking forward to discussing next year and beyond with Liz (Hobbs) and her team.’’
The event formed part of UB40’s Grandslam tour, encompassing 14 dates across the UK. Tour organisers Liz Hobbs Group (LHG Live), who this year are also producing and promoting concerts with Tom Jones, Olly Murs, Little Mix and Craig David were equally positive about the evening and the venue’s potential. CEO Liz Hobbs MBE commented:
‘’ We love bringing music to new places and venues and we’re thrilled with the success of our first concert in Darlington. The feedback from the region has been outstanding and the atmosphere was electric. The audience were enthusiastic and full of fun. The Mowden Park team, local safety advisory groups and the local Police have all been extremely professional and a pleasure to work with and we share their belief that the venue can deliver something special. We’re already talking to artists about next year and we’re looking forward to helping unlock the The Northern Echo Arena’s potential.’’
The concert followed on from February’s Rugby International that pulled a crowd of 6,500 and draws to a close a successful calendar year of events for Mowden Park.
Arena Event Manager Danny Brown commented:
‘‘It has been a lot of hard work for our team but we’re delighted with the results and Sunday nights concert was an incredible way to finish the year.’’
‘’Liz Hobbs Group have been outstanding to work with and alongside the local authorities they were instrumental in helping us deliver a memorable, well-organised and safe event. ‘’