Boyzone fans braved cold weather to get tickets to Telford show

People were queuing outside Oakengates Theatre, as early as 8am yesterday.

The four-piece Irish boyband are set to perform in Telford's Town Park on June 27 as part of their UK tour.

Maggie Evans, from Ketley, Telford, was the first person to get her hands on a set of tickets for herself as well as her friends.

"I am quite excited for Boyzone to come to Telford in the summer," she said. "I like all kinds of music, but when I heard they were playing in Telford I had to get myself a ticket.

"I brought six tickets, but they are not all for me. One is for myself and the others are for my friends and my niece, who has been a fan for years.

"I just think it's great the band chose Telford and it really is something to look forward to in the summer."

Another fan, Joanne Cooper, aged 40 from Muxton, said: "I only heard about the concert on Thursday when I was listening to the radio and I thought I need to get myself some tickets.

"I then asked around my friends and family to see who else wanted to come, so I managed to buy five. I just hope I haven't missed anyone out.

"I am fan of the band and I am really looking forward to seeing them in the summer."

Ann Vernon, from aged 41, from Tibberton, said: "My friend is a huge fan, so she asked me if I could pop down to the theatre to get the tickets as she must get some.

"She asked if I would go with and I said I would. My friend is also taking her nine-year-old daughter so it should be a really good day.

"I am really looking forward to it and I hope the weather is nice as that will just make the day even better."

But it was not just women who were queueing to buy tickets, there were even a few men who said they had been sent by there wives or mothers.

Ben Coates, who is the founder of Telford Business Chamber, said this will give local businesses in Telford a chance to get their names out there as well as attracting more business to the area.

"I was here buying tickets for my wife, but I imagine I might be babysitting the day of the concert," he said. "I even tried to wind her up by saying they'd sold out and I couldn't get tickets, don't think it'll go down too well."

Debbie King, spokeswoman for Oakengates Theatre said: "Sales for the concert are going really well, we had a lot of people come into the box office in person to buy their tickets and the phones didn't stop ringing.

"We have had fans from places like Manchester asking about tickets so I expect it will be a sell out. I am looking forward to the concert even though I will be working."

The Irish boyband, which has sold 25 million copies during a glittering pop career spanning more than 20 years, will perform at Telford Town Park on June 27.

Band members have revealed they are already looking forward to playing in the county, and the news has been described as a real coup for Telford by officials at Telford & Wrekin Council, which is promoting the concert.

Lead singer Ronan Keating said: "We love the chance to play outdoors through the summer so I'm looking forward to a great night in Telford."

Bandmate Shane Lynch added: "The crowds in the Midlands are always superb. It will be like coming home."