A NORTH-East venue has promised two "epic party weekends" next year after announcing its first two concerts following the coronavirus pandemic.

Darlington Arena is hoping to bring live music back to the venue next summer with performances from pop star Olly Murs and Tom Jones, who was due to play there in 2020.

Murs announced a 25 date UK tour today, including the date in Darlington on Saturday, August 28.

If things go as planned, it will be the second outdoor concert to take place in Darlington in 2021, following the confirmation that the Tom Jones concert has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 13.

The event had been due to take place in June but was postponed in May..

Arena manager Danny Brown said: “Following a really tough year for everyone we are delighted to be able to announce another world-renowned artist performing at the arena.

"We’ve worked closely with LHG and the local authorities to bring the Darlington Arena back to life over the last few years and to have Olly Murs and Tom Jones at the arena in 2021 is something for everyone to get excited about.”

With much of 2020 coming to a standstill due to the Covid-19 pandemic, next year’s shows aim to put a smile back on the face of the country when Murs will perform his biggest hits, including tracks from his recently certified triple platinum album ‘Never Been Better’.

Murs, who recently captained England in this year's Soccer Aid, is also looking to retain his crown as winning judge on his third series of The Voice, which has currently been postponed at the semi final stages.

During the pandemic, he spent time working with a personal trainer to achieve a "body transformation" and has also been working on new music to be shared next year.

He said: "I can’t tell you how excited I am to announce this tour. It’s been such a tough year for everyone and I can’t wait to get back out on the road and entertain my fans.

"We’re definitely going to be celebrating in Darlington next summer."

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “My heart skipped a beat when I found out Olly Murs was coming to Mowden Park. It just shows because I wear my heart on my sleeve, we’re in the right place (at the) right time.

“He might be a troublemaker, but I hope he’s going to dance with me tonight.”

Liz Doogan-Hobbs, chief executive of Grandslam Live and LHG Events, promoter of the two concerts, said: “We are delighted to be bringing another huge concert to Darlington next summer.

"It’s been such a tough year for everyone with no live events being able to take place.

"I am thrilled to confirm that Olly Murs will be joining Tom Jones by performing in Darlington next summer, we know it will be two epic party weekends at The Darlington Arena."

Full dates and tickets on sale and are available from 9th October at www.ollymurs.com

They go on sale at 9am, priced from £39.50.

Gold circle tickets are priced at £55 and seated tickets are priced at £50.VIP packages are also available.

All tickets for Tom Jones' 2020 concert are transferable and remaining tickets are on sale now.