SIR Elton John has become the latest big name star to sign up to play in the region next year.

He will be among the first of a number of world-famous acts to visit the North next year.

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Some of the other leading acts to visit the region next year are:
Westlife: Metro Arena, Newcastle, May 14 and June 15
Coldplay: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, June 7
Blink 182: Metro Arena, June 19
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Stadium of Light, June 21
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Stadium of Light, June 24

Sir Elton yesterday revealed he will play an outdoor concert at the Great Yorkshire Showground, in Harrogate, on June 5, before he visits the Metro Arena, in Newcastle, on June 13.

Other acts that have already announced they will be staging concerts in the region include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen, who will play the Sunderland Stadium of Light, and Westlife, who will be playing in Newcastle.

Sir Elton is one of the bestselling solo artists of all time.

He said: “The first time I played Yorkshire was August 1970 at the Yorkshire Jazz Folk and Blues Festival, near Halifax.

“Anyone who was there will probably remember the terrible weather rather than the music.

“Since then, I have played Leeds and Bradford several times, and last year Scarborough for the first time.

“I have never played in Harrogate before, so I am looking forward to my first summer visit to this famous English spa town.”

Sir Elton will be the first artist to play at the Yorkshire Event Centre, within the showground.

Managing director Heather Parry said: “Although in the past we have welcomed several world leaders, including Bill Clinton, a concert of this calibre will be a first for us.

“Apart from being wonderful news for the region’s music lovers, it will also assist us in continuing our charitable work supporting the farming and rural communities across the North.”

Other venues expected to confirm big-name acts for next year include Castle Howard, near York, and Dalby Forest, near Pickering, which traditionally attracts big names.

Tickets for Elton John’s concerts go on sale today.

Tickets to the Harrogate show are £55 and £80, on sale from 10am on 0844-581-1317.

Tickets to his Newcastle concert are £40, £60 and £75, on sale from 9am on 0844-493- 6666, or the box office in person.