Arcade Fire to blaze a trail at new Edinburgh Castle arena

Published on Friday 4 February 2011 15:47

IT has played host to old time favourites such as Cliff Richard, Donny Osmond and Rod Stewart.

But now Edinburgh Castle will welcome one of the "hottest" bands in the world when Arcade Fire take to the stage.

The Canadian alternative rockers will be the first band to play at the Castle Esplanade following the installation of the long-awaited replacement grandstands.

Appearing on September 1, they are the first of three big-name acts to be announced by Castle Concerts.

Mark Mackie, one of the directors of Castle Concerts, said: "They are the band of the year and have won loads of awards.

"They are really hot at the moment so we are delighted that this is the first concert of Castle Concerts for 2011."

He added: "It will be great to see the new layout up there.

"We usually hold our concerts in July but the way things have fallen this year means that they will actually take place during the last week of the Edinburgh Festival so there will be quite a buzz in town."

Castle Concerts are remaining tight-lipped about who will be performing on the two consecutive nights after Arcade Fire appearance, but added that negotiations are ongoing with bands at the moment.

Barry Wright, another of Castle Concerts' directors, said: "Having promoted all the concerts at Edinburgh Castle since 1992, we are delighted to be continuing our association with Historic Scotland and the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo in their new arena.

"It's great to bring this year's outstanding contemporary act Arcade Fire to this iconic venue."

With three award-winning albums, Arcade Fire are now considered to be one of the biggest bands in the world.

They have received two nominations at this year's Brit Awards in the international group and album categories and are up for three prizes at this year's Grammy Awards.

The 16 million project to replace the grandstands is due to be completed this summer, ahead of the start of the Tattoo.

The new stands will offer more leg room for spectators, improved disabled access, and better rest areas for performers.

The existing stands are 36 years old and were based on the system used for the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Tattoo managing director Richard Hambleton said: "The new arena was always intended to help meet Edinburgh's long-term entertainment need, which will significantly increase the 88m generated by the Tattoo for the country's economy each year."

Stephen Duncan, head of commercial and visitor operations at Historic Scotland, which runs the Castle, added: "We are delighted to have such an exciting band perform in the iconic, atmospheric setting of Edinburgh Castle. We hope that this event will attract a new audience to the Castle." Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am through www.seetickets.com and by calling 0871 220 0260.

Seated tickets cost 37.50 and standing tickets will be sold for 32.50.