Restored theatre leads the way in resort’s best season for 50 years

Jim Dillon, who has been chief executive of the council for the past five years, spoke to the Yorkshire Post yesterday following Sir Elton John’s concert at the theatre on Sunday, when he was in the crowd alongside 8,500 other fans.

Mr Dillon said it was now hoped some of the world’s biggest superstars will follow Sir Elton’s lead in gracing the stage of the Open Air Theatre – which was officially opened by the Queen last year after a £3.5m restoration project to transform it from a vandalised ruin. Such events could bring in tens of thousands of extra visitors every year.

“What we want to do is book the major acts by this August and September in time for next year,” he said.

“One of the key things about getting Sir Elton was that it publicised the venue.

“We are obviously hoping to keep getting people of that level – a small number but truly acclaimed world class performers.

“Scarborough is now second to only London for overnight leisure stays in the whole of the UK and we are getting record bookings.

“There is certainly a huge resurgence taking place in Scarborough. The whole thing is coming together and the success of the Open Air Theatre is part of that.

“This year has been the best year so far since the 1960s and 1970s.

“Obviously we want the mainstream visitors but we are also looking at making Scarborough a real cultural destination.”