80s chart-topper Rick Astley to play Haydock Park this summer

Apr 14 2011 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

CHART-TOPPER Rick Astley is returning to his roots for Haydock Park’s opening music night of 2011.

The singer, whose Never Gonna Give You Up shot to number one in 17 countries and was the best-selling single of 1987 in the UK, grew up just a few furlongs from the racecourse, in Newton-le-Willows.

The evening concert follows a full programme of horse racing on Saturday.

Haydock Park is ready to rock to the sounds of the 80s, with the artist certain to perform plenty of the old favourites, including Whenever You Need Somebody and Together Forever.

Astley, who toured with Peter Kay last year, is the first music act confirmed for Haydock Park this year. More acts for midsummer dates will be announced in coming weeks.

Tickets, which include both the evening’s horse racing and concert, are on sale at www.haydock-park.co.uk or on 0844 579 3006. Prices: Enclosure £45, County Stand £30, Tattersalls £20, Newton Enclosure £12. Gates open at 3.35pm.

The first race is scheduled for 5.35pm, with the finale at 8.05pm, after which Rick Astley will appear on stage.