How Sir Elton helped to make stadium rocket
LAST Monday marked exactly one year since Sir Elton John’s appearance at Widnes’s Halton Stadium, and Halton Borough Council has issued an update confirming the positive impact left by the ‘Rocket Man’, as well as future plans for the stadium.
The council said that the appearance of one of Britain’s most iconic artists of all time has had a lasting positive effect on the venue
In addition, they have promised plenty more concerts to look forward to, and given an update on a new artificial pitch that is soon to be laid.
Halton Borough Council said: “It’s certainly put the stadium on the map as an established music venue.
“In the last year, a number of the country’s top tribute acts have appeared including top Oasis tribute Noasis, who played to a sell-out crowd in the Stadium’s Sports Hall venue which now doubles as a brilliant 700 capacity rock venue with superb sound, to rival any in the UK.
“Easter saw the Madchester event which featured top Stone Roses tribute Resurrection and Happy Mondaze.
“However, the stadium isn’t just catering for tribute acts with top local local bands acts The Odds and Factory appearing at Madchester along with a host of established local singer/ songwriters on the acoustic stage.
“This June saw the multi-million selling Liverpool indie band Space appearing to perform their massive ● hits Female Of The Species, Neigbourhood and The Ballad of Tom Jones among others, supported by favourites of the UK punk scene Pete Bentham & the Dinner Ladies, fronted by Widnes born Pete.”
Further concerts are scheduled with rock fans able to look forward to the Guns N Roses Experience on Sat- urday, November 10, with more shows to be announced. The council also commented on the future of the stadium for its sporting purposes.
“On the sporting front, a new artificial pitch is to be laid shortly to improve facilities for five-a-side and seven-a-side football, touch rugby and all the sports sides who use the Stadium; such as Widnes Vikings, Halton Spartans American Football Team and a special mention must go to Widnes Football Club which not only won promotion to the Evo-Stick Northern Premier League One and also crowned Macron Cup Champions.”
The Stadium has also hosted a number of other events including the dance show ‘Strictly Halton’, wedding fayres, Faulty Towers Dining Experience, conferences and business fayres as well as charity events such as the Pink Ball For Breast Cancer Now and the Sunflower Ball in aid of St Rocco’s Hospice.
Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for the stadium, Cllr Phil Harris said; “Facilities will also improve with the opening of a newly refurbished Function Suite later this year.
“So if you are looking for the ideal setting for your private event, charity event or private function, Halton Stadium’s suites and function rooms are a fantastic setting for all your needs.” ● Call 0151 510 6000 email stadium@halton.gov.uk or visit www. haltonstadium.co.uk