The man behind JLS’ August concert at Pairc Esler believes that Newry can become a major stopping off point for some of the music industry’s biggest acts. The British pop four piece will take to the stage infront of 20,000 screaming fans at Pairc Esler on August 1 and Paul McCann of Abbey Event Management believes that it could be the first of many major events that he brings to the city. “We were in the background, we worked on the site set ups at Jedward at Pairc Esler and the events space in Marcus Square,” Paul told the Reporter. “We took the conscious decision to take the step into full event promotion. Do you wait for people to come to you or become your own customer? We have to capitalise on Newry’s location in terms of talking to agents about adding a third show between Belfast and Dublin,” he said. “If Newry can be established as a venue then there can be serious acts as Belfast and Dublin isn’t enough for them as they have to bring their rig over and Cork is too far away for them. As Newry isn’t a venue they know yet we have something to prove.” According to Paul Newry boasts a surprising number of suitable venues for major concerts. “Obviously we have Pairc Esler where we can fit 4,000 under the roof of the stand and 20,000 altogether, but also smaller venues like Marcus Square and also Corry Square, the Albert Basin and the Abbey grounds.” With tickets for the JLS concert now on sale, Paul has confirmed that he will be organising a second concert in September. “In September we will be organising the City Day concert at Pairc Esler. We have confirmed the support acts and are currently in negotiation with headline acts. We are also in negotiations for two shows next year as well.
Newry Reporter
5th June 2013
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