Plymouth summer concert could return

Councilor leader thrilled with debut

Summer Sessions on the Hoe could be a fixture of Plymouth’s calendar for  at least the next five years following “phenomenal feedback” from the first event last weekend.

City council leader Tudor Evans has asked the council’s events team to negotiate a five-year deal with organisers Live Nation.

The TK Maxx-sponsored four-day rock and pop extravaganza saw thousands of music fans enjoy performances by Tom Jones, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Madness, Sting, Gabrielle and the Lightning Seeds among others. Around 15,000 people attended over the four days.

They got underway following heavy rain on Thursday with Tom Jones, but weather improved into the weekend.

Cllr Evans (Lab, Ham) wants open-air music concerts continue to return. “The feedback from everyone has just been phenomenal,” he said.

“Not only from the organisers, but also from Plymothians and visitors who travelled to see these incredible acts here in our city.”

He said the council is committed to bringing world class cultural and entertainment experiences to Plymouth’s doorstep.

“We did it with MTV Crashes nine years ago and now we are proving, once again, that the Hoe is the perfect outdoor venue for these internationally significant acts to perform.”

“The Hoe is known around the world, it has stunning views out to sea and Plymouth Sound’s National Marine Park,” said Cllr Evans.

“It provided the perfect backdrop for performers of the calibre we have enjoyed over the past few days. I can’t wait for next year.”

Under the conditions of the deal, Live Nation was responsible for the entire  organisation of the shows, with the council events team offering assistance and use of Plymouth Hoe.

MTV Crashes took place between 2014 and 2018 in the same place, and it’s claimed brought £10 million into the local economy as well as raising the profile of the city.

The last few years have been difficult for live music, costs had massively escalated and the risks are high, said the council.

Because of the challenging nature of the Hoe as an event site, an investment of around £1.2 million was needed to stage a large live music event but no-one had the required investment or funding available until now.

The agreement with Live Nation didn’t require the council to make a financial investment or take any financial risk.

It is expected that Summer Sessions could generate income for the council from the second year, helping to fund the British Fireworks Championships and Armed Forces Day, thus keeping these events free for the public.

Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprising of Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, LN Media and Artist Nation Management.

The company has indicated it is keen to invest in the concerts with the event extended to five or even 10 years.

Cllr Sue Dann (Lab, Sutton and Mount Gould) said she really enjoyed it:  “Even the dodgy weather didn’t dampen the spirit of the audiences.

“Each night had a different vibe, people got into the groove, boogied and sang the nights away. All the acts were fabulous too and created a brilliant atmosphere.

“I can’t wait for the sessions to come back, showcasing Plymouth as a cultural centre.”