Leading promoter has big plans for Dundee’s Slessor Gardens

A leading promoter wants to make Dundee one of the UK’S “premier” locations for concerts.

Liz Doogan-hobbs, chief executive of the Liz Hobbs Group, is preparing to bring more big names to the City of Discovery after UB40, Olly Murs and Little Mix played at Slessor Gardens in the summer.

The venue has been booked for May, June and July 2018 and announcements about who will play are expected within weeks.

Tens of thousands of people descended on Slessor Gardens for the three concerts as part of a packed summer of music in Dundee.

Although she would not be drawn on who will be performing, Ms Doogan-hobbs said music lovers can expect news next month.

“We have several confirmations and what I can say is that some amazing artists will be coming to Slessor Gardens,” she said.

“At the very least we will have three concerts there next year.

“We have May, June and July booked.

“The plan is eventually to add August and September to that schedule but that might not be next year.

“It’s not feasible to have a concert every weekend but once a month in those months is the plan.”

Concerns were initially raised about noise and traffic management but all three shows were well received by gig-goers.

Ms Doogan-hobbs added: “There weren’t really any issues as far as we were concerned this year.

“I know there were a lot of questions and concerns about noise and traffic but everyone got used to it and we received great feedback.”

Olly Murs played Slessor Gardens in July.