Opera fans brave weather

Fans of star opera singer Russell Watson queued in the rain as tickets for his first concert in Hartlepool went on general sale.

Around 20 eager fans snapped up the tickets to hear the man known as “The Voice” when Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, in Church Square, opened its doors at 10am yesterday.

Watson will take to the stage at the Headland’s Borough Hall in the celebrity concert being organised by Hartlepool Male Voice Choir.

The opera sensation will perform songs by himself, and also alongside the choir.

Among fans queuing to secure their seat was Elizabeth Payne, from the Naisberry Park area of Hartlepool.

She said: “It’s rather nice that he is coming to the town when he usually goes to larger towns and cities.

“It is good that he is coming somewhere local.”

Carole Brown and Marie Newton travelled from Stanley and Consett in County Durham to claim their place.

“We’re Russell groupies,” joked Carole.

Organisers expect the show on Saturday, June 19, to be a sell out

Source: Hartlepool Mail