A SERIES of drive-in concerts and shows scheduled to take place at the University of Bolton Stadium have been cancelled due to ongoing concerns with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Live From The Drive-In concert series which was set to feature gigs by Dizzee Rascal, The Zutons and The Streets had been billed as a way of bringing live music back to audiences this summer following lockdown.

The concert tour, promoted by Live Nation Entertainment was due to begin next month and visit 12 cities, with performances staged at sites including airports and racecourses and in the case of Bolton, the car park outside the home of Bolton Wanderers. 

The tour included dates in Liverpool, which is among the regions where Covid-19 infection hotspots are emerging and Live Nation have now said they have been left with no choice but to cancel the entire series as fears over local lockdowns continue.

A statement from Live Nation said: "The Live From The Drive-In concert series will no longer proceed as planned this summer. 

"We received huge support from artists, the live music production contractors, our headline sponsor Utilita along with our other partners, and of course you, the fans. However the latest developments regarding localised lockdowns mean it has become impossible for us to continue with the series with any confidence.

"We thank everyone for their support and eagerly await a time when we can watch live music together again. Full refunds will be issued directly to all ticket holders within the next seven days.”

"We're sorry for any disappointment caused."

The 300-car gigs have been designed to provide a safe alternative to the many events that have been cancelled.

Concert-goers were set to be able to stand outside their vehicles in allocated spaces, or sit in their own fold-out chairs with Live Nation saying they would be "adhering to the Government's current social distancing rules to protect fans, artists, crews and staff at all times".

The concert series, which was also due to feature Embrace, Brand New Heavies and Tony Hadley, was due to run from mid-July until September, as music venues continue talks with the government about how and when they might reopen in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.