Dates agreed for Rick to star at racecourse

A DATE has been set for a massive star of the 80s to play at one of East Staffordshire’s top tourist attractions.

Rick Astley had originally been booked to play Uttoxeter Racecourse in May last year, but the show was postponed due to Covid restrictions.

And the third UK lockdown earlier this year cast doubt on events up and down the country.

But now, after Boris Johnson announced his plan for coming out of lockdown, course bosses have confirmed Astley’s show will take place, as planned, on Saturday, May 15.

It will be the latest in a long line of successful gigs held at the Wood Lane course as part of its Live Music Racedays.

Previous acts to perform there include indie royalty Kaiser Chiefs and Lightning Seeds.

Astley represents a different proposition, though, and his act promises to include hits from his 80s repertoire, including mega-hit Never Gonna Give You Up. With more than 40 million record sales worldwide, the singer from Lancashire, rose to fame in 1987 with his hit, Never Gonna Give You Up, which shot to number one in 25 countries.

He then won the 1988 Brit Award for Best British Single, and went on to have 13 top 30 hit singles across the globe. He has released new albums in the past few years

A spokesman for Uttoxeter Racecourse said: “After Monday’s roadmap out of lockdown, some much-needed spring sunshine PLUS payday weekend … well, we couldn’t help but feel upbeat about a summer of fun and live music!”

Tickets to see Rick Astley at Uttoxeter are priced at £40 for general admission, with packages also available.