REM come to Old Trafford

Old Trafford

Lancashire have confirmed that they will host a second pop concert this summer.

REM will kick off their UK tour with a gig at Old Trafford on Sunday August 24, two months after Radiohead play at the ground.

Lancashire came in for criticism last year after two Arctic Monkeys concerts on successive nights damaged part of the outfield.

However, the REM show – the third time they have visited Old Trafford in five years – will have no impact on playing matters as it takes place in the week the outfield is dug up, after Lancashire’s last home game of the season.

“Under normal circumstances it would’ve been impossible to hold such an event,” chief executive Jim Cumbes said.

“But with the outfield already scheduled to be dug up that week and the extra revenue the club will generate by hosting this one-off concert, it was a win-win situation for everyone.”

Lancashire’s last home match will be the NatWest Pro40 encounter against Middlesex Crusaders on Sunday August 17, after which the outfield and drainage system will undergo extensive improvements.

It will be the eighth successive year in which Old Trafford has hosted a pop concert, income from which has become a vital part of the county's turnover.

Tickets for the REM concert go on sale on Friday at 9am. All tickets costs £45 and can be purchased online at www.gigsandtours.com, www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0871 220 0260.