Westlife concert success will boost town, says mayor

THE success of Saturday's Westlife concert proves Mansfield can support a live music venue, says its executive mayor.
Around 10,000 fans packed Field Mill Stadium while Mansfield Town were playing away at Kidderminster Harriers.

There had been concerns about poor ticket sales for the concert, which had a maximum capacity of 15,000.

But the district council's Executive Mayor, Tony Egginton, said there had been a last-minute surge.

Councillor Egginton said: "It went very, very well. Obviously the weather was kind and there were just a few spots of rain during the evening.

"Just under 9,000 tickets had been sold by the end of play on Friday and more than 1,000 were sold on Saturday.

"It was a great show and everybody thoroughly enjoyed it. They were all there right to the end.

"Hopefully it has done the football club a bit of good and made them a bit of money and given them a bit of momentum."

Westlife have performed several times at Nottingham's Trent FM Arena, but this was their first visit to Mansfield.

Mr Egginton compared the importance of the concert for the town to when Rebecca Adlington won two Olympic gold medals.

To help create a party atmosphere, entertainment was also provided in the Market Place, including live music, fairground rides and a mini-beach for youngsters.

The football club's three directors put their hands in their own pockets to bring the boyband to Mansfield.

Income will be used to strengthen the club.

"I think it proved beyond doubt Mansfield can support a live music venue. We will learn from it and move forward," added Mr Egginton.

Fuente: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk