Pink gig in Swansea gets economy started

INTERNATIONAL star Pink's show at Swansea's Liberty Stadium will be a boost to the economy and put the city on the live music map, according to business leaders.

The announcement by the American star to bring her record-breaking Funhouse Summer Carnival Tour to the Stadium on Wednesday, June 23, has been greeted as good news for the city.

Stuart Taylor, president of the West Wales Chamber of Commerce, said it would create a number of spin-offs.

He said: "Anything that puts Swansea on the UK map as a live music venue is excellent.

"In particular the spin-offs for the local businesses which the artist will attract."

A spokesman said the concert will represent a huge achievement for the stadium management as they look to build upon a reputation as a concert venue.

Having welcomed the likes of Elton John and The Who to Swansea in recent years, bosses anticipate that Pink will attract thousands from across Wales and the South West England.

Matthew Daniel, commercial manager, Liberty Stadium, said: "We are delighted to attract such an amazing event to Swansea. Pink is an artist of international standing, and we are sure that those coming to the concert will not be disappointed by her amazing show."

Pink has already sold more than 30 million albums across the globe and some of her best known hits include So What, Get the Party Started and Trouble.

Her show will be a carnival- style spectacular with a visually stunning new production.

Andrew Davies, general manager of Liberty Stadium, said: "We are conscious of the effect this sort of event has on the city and the region, and the economic benefits to local businesses will follow I'm sure.

"The nearest concert venue on Pink's tour to the Liberty Stadium is in the Midlands and so we are looking to attract an audience from across South Wales, along the M4 corridor and into the South West of England. This can only be good news for Swansea."

Mike Jones, who is director of Tourism Swansea Bay and also owns the White House Hotel in Uplands, said: "The more Swansea is able to showcase its facilities the better.

"The stadium is a wonderful, iconic venue and it will bring money into the local economy and hopefully give people the chance to look around the area. Swansea is finally flexing its wings and getting its act together."

As well as Swansea, the tour will roll into Bolton, Coventry, Glasgow, Alton Towers, Staffordshire, and Ipswich.

Tickets for the Pink gig at the Liberty Stadium are on sale from 10am Monday. They are available from the Liberty Stadium ticket office and at Derricks Records.