Drive-in tour at Birmingham's Resorts World Arena cancelled amid fears over local lockdowns
A tour of drive-in shows which was set to visit the West Midlands has been cancelled over local lockdown fears.
The Utilita Live from the Drive-In concert was set to stop at 12 sites across the UK over summer – including at Birmingham's Resorts World Arena.
Acts including Wolverhampton's own Beverley Knight were set to perform along with Gary Numan, the Kaiser Chiefs and others.
But promoters Live Nation have axed the tour – due to take place over July and September – over coronavirus fears.
Refunds will be issued directly to ticket holders within the next seven days, bosses have confirmed.
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."
Singing sensation Beverley Knight said she was "completely gutted" by the decision to pull the plug.
She said: "Completely gutted. Back to waiting and hoping for us live performers then.
"Thank you everyone who was lovely enough to buy a ticket; I cannot wait until the day me, my band, UK live music and the theatre communities up and down the country can entertain you once more."
A tour included a production of the hit stage musical Six – modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII.
A statement from Utilita added: "Utilita Live From The Drive-In series will no longer take place in the summer of 2020.
"We had worked tirelessly on exciting plans for what was promising to be a fantastic couple of months of entertainment across the UK.
"However, we fully understand and support the necessary decision to cancel due to concerns over localised lockdowns."
It would've seen concert-quality sound with a full lighting rig and LED screens set up – with 300 cars allowed at the gigs.
