Waterfront venue a big hit with biggest names in pop world

Slessor Gardens, which opened less than two years ago, has already attracted some huge names from the music world.

The concert venue has been described as an integral piece of Dundee’s £1 billion waterfront regeneration and was opened by the Queen on a visit in June 2016.

The Liz Hobbs Group were handed the licence last year by Dundee City Council to put on shows for the outdoor space and duly obliged with three varied artists.

Reggae icons UB40 were the first act to perform in May last year. The gig, though not sold out, attracted around 9,000 dedicated fans who refused to be put off by the rain.

The announcement of the next act to play triggered euphoria among many young pop fans in Tayside.

The world’s biggest girl band, Little Mix, were to arrive on the shores of the Tay. Tickets sold out in minutes.

Around 12,000 eager fans packed out the venue for the performance on June 29. They were supported by Ella Eyre and Aussie band Sheppard.

Last to play in 2017 was former X Factor runner-up Olly Murs.

He was supported by an 11-piece band and three backing singers, as well as Louisa Johnson, who also appeared on the hit ITV show.

As well as Rita Ora, two more acts have been announced for this summer so far.

Simple Minds and The Pretenders will perform on Sunday September 9.

It will be the first time they have performed on the same stage since Live Aid in 1985.

They will be joined by special guest KT Tunstall.

Iconic ’90s pop group Steps will light up the Slessor Gardens stage when they arrive in town on Thursday June 22.

They will be supported by boy band Blue.