Virgin Radio plans concert for 35,000 key workers

Virgin Radio and The Sun are planning to hold free concerts at venues across the UK as a thank you to key workers.

Tour dates to take in The SSE Arena, Wembley on Wednesday 28 October, Manchester Arena on Thursday 29 October and The SSE Hydro Arena Glasgow on Sunday 1 November, assuming large gatherings are allowed by this time.

The Wembley show will incorporate The Sun’s Who Cares Wins Awards, celebrating healthcare workers at the front line of battling the virus.

35,000 free tickets will be given away for key workers – from health care staff to bus drivers – as Virgin Radio and The Sun say a Big Thank You.

Announcing the plan, Mike Cass, Content Director for the Virgin Radio network, said: “Our fantastic key workers are keeping Britain going through the coronavirus lockdown. From our brilliant bus drivers and posties to the amazing shop staff and delivery drivers making sure we’re stocked with essentials – and of course, our wonderful health and social care workers.

“We wanted to say thank you the best way we know how – by throwing an amazing party. Three, in fact. And we’ll be pulling out all the stops – and inviting some very special guest stars – to ensure three nights to remember for 35,000 key workers and their families. Watch this space for more announcements.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the management teams at the SSE Arena, Wembley, Manchester Arena and Glasgow SSE Hydro – and to our production partners EMO – for their commitment to helping us make the Big Thank You Tour happen. And if the nation isn’t quite ready for a great big thank you party by October, we’ll just do it as soon as we safely can!”

More details about how to register for tickets and who will be playing at the Big Thank You Tour will be released in coming weeks.