Promoter Peter Aiken is predicting that up to 50,000 fans will attend this year’s Live in the Marquee series, which has attracted more than 500,000 fans since the shows began in 2005 as part of the Cork Capital of Culture showpiece.
“Sales have been pretty good so far this year, with several acts already after selling out,” said Mr Aiken, who added that he was committed for another two years at least.
“I said when we started back in 2005 that we’d give it 10 years and then take a serious look at it, and that’s what we’ll do. But there seems to be a serious appetite for live music in Cork and that’s very welcome,” he said.
The series begins tonight with electronic duo Justice, and tomorrow it is the turn of southern rockers Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers to gig at the 5,000-seater venue for a concert that sold out in weeks.
Mr Aiken noted that pop singer Olly Murs had sold out two nights, while Jessie J had sold out one concert and was on course to sell out a second – as were Jedward.
“What I think is particularly pleasing is the great appetite in Cork for Irish acts: Imelda May has sold out, The Coronas have sold out and Christy Moore and Dara O’Briain, who is doing two nights, both look set to sell out,” he said.
