News: The Reytons homecoming gig gave Rotherham economy a massive boost

The Reytons’ sell-out homecoming gig in Rotherham was a celebration of music enjoyed by people of all ages, and a big boost for the local economy.

A study by Sheffield Hallam University revealed that the event contributed an impressive £1m to Rotherham’s economy and £1.36m benefit for South Yorkshire.

The concert held earlier this summer drew thousands of attendees from across the nation, with some travelling from as far as Glasgow and Southampton. It marked the largest outdoor music event ever held at Clifton Park, attracting around 20,00 people.

Money spent by fans on public transport, food, drink, and hotels has all positively contributed towards keeping local businesses thriving, whilst putting a sense of pride back in Rotherham.

England’s quarter final Euros match against Switzerland was shown live on a screen at the opposite end of the park to the stage, providing people with another reason to head into Rotherham and join the excitement.

The Reytons performed for over an hour, featuring hits such as Slice of Lime, Red Smoke, and Adrenaline, finishing with Kids Off the Estate and a Disney-inspired fireworks display. It is the first band to play in the park since T-Rex in 1971.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Cllr Sheppard, said: “I cannot sum up into words how incredible it was to have The Reytons perform in Clifton Park. The atmosphere on the day was thrilling and a joy to be a part of. Having the band here has done wonders for the local economy and given residents something to be proud of. Visitors have said that Clifton Park was an excellent venue, and the event was very well run so we will now be looking to see whether we can host similar such events in the future.”

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Fans took to social media to share their views on the concert.

One said: “We come from Warrington. The minute we got off the train station at Rotherham there were volunteers trying to help us. We went to Ginge’s Snap for some food and beer. The owner and her team were unbelievable, so friendly. We got the vibe the whole town was keen to make this work. Throughout the day the local people were helpful and positive. The whole day was brilliant, and I thought Rotherham really embraced the event and really made a couple of outsiders welcome. As a town you should be proud of yourselves. Well done Rotherham and thank you.”

Another fan added: “Wow what an amazing event. Over 20,000 people visited Rotherham which was great for many businesses, pubs, hotels, cafes etc and putting Rotherham on the map. Would be awesome to see more big festival gigs in Clifton Park as it proved it’s a great place for music.”

A third fan commented: “It was absolutely amazing! Professionally done with a great atmosphere. Thank you! Proud that this is our doorstep and a massive positive for our town.”

CLIFTON PARK LIVE ALBUM!!!!!!

We have beautifully captured all of the emotions, energy and harmonious chaos from that iconic night in Clifton Park! Featuring the voices of 20,000, the full show is ours to keep forever on Vinyl, CD, DVD and all streaming services worldwide from… pic.twitter.com/j2gSSHCqat

— THE REYTONS (@TheReytons) September 9, 2024

Last September, Rothbiz revealed first that FKP Scorpio, one of the world’s top ten leading concert promoters, and the promotor for The Reytons tour, had applied to Rotherham Council for a licence for Clifton Park in July 2024.

In approving the contract with the band and organiser, Rotherham Council said that it represented "support for a local cultural phenomenon of national significance, and will widen access to local talent for Rotherham audiences, strengthening civic pride." Positive press coverage and support for the local visitor economy were also big reasons for approving the gig.

The Reytons have recently announced that the Rotherham event will feature on an upcoming live album and video relase, and announced another UK tour.

The Reytons website

Images: The Reytons / facebook

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News: Is Rotherham ready for "The Reytons effect?"

The Reytons gig at Clifton Park in Rotherham in July is close to selling out - 20,000 people are expected for one of the largest music events the borough has seen in years.

Last September, Rothbiz revealed first that FKP Scorpio, one of the world’s top ten leading concert promoters, and the promotor for The Reytons tour, had applied to Rotherham Council for a licence for Clifton Park in July 2024.

The hometown heroes confirmed the gig in October and within two days of going on sale, 10,000 tickets were sold for the July 6 date.

Now only 600 tickets remain.

Rotherham Council called the event, which will measure up to T-Rex in 1971, or The Specials at nearby Herringthorpe Playing Fields in 1981, as "an opportunity to celebrate Rotherham talent, build civic pride and support the burgeoning local visitor economy."

The band themsleves can't quite believe what they are about to do.

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In a recent YouTube video, the lads take a walk around the town centre and check out where the stage will be in Clifton Park.

Jonny Yerrell tells viewers: "It's not the tourist hot spot. It's going to be mad to think how many people are going to be walking through here. Them trains pulling up, people walking up here, all these Reytons flags, everyone's on it.

"Someone said for the [Sheffield] arena, it's like going to a cup final, but we've already won. Clifton Park's going to feel like that. 20,000 people, 20,000 of us walking the streets, all the way from that train station, or wherever you've come from, up to Clifton Park."

Talks began with the council over a Rotherham concert back in 2022, before The Reyton's secured their first-ever Number 1 album with "What’s Rock And Roll?" at the start of 2023. The authority have been keen to highlight that the band has become a "local cultural phenomenon of national significance."

In a recent feature for Notion magazine about the "Disruptor in Music" award at the first ever Northern Music Awards (which The Reytons went on to win), the band said: "We think that we’ve done enough for it to be the biggest that the town has ever had, so we’re excited for it.

"One thing that no one can say they’ve done is be a working-class kid from Rotherham, sell 20,000 tickets in the park that they grew up in as a kid, boost the local economy and change the reputation of the town forever. I don’t feel like it gets any bigger than that for me. I can die happy as an artist knowing that we’ve done all of that. The rest is a bonus."

The Reytons website

Images: Reytons / Youtube

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News: Council contract confirms potential for second Reytons gig at Clifton Park

Contract talks over the hire of Clifton Park show that a possible second concert by The Reytons could take place next summer.

Rotherham Council, owners and operators of Clifton Park on the edge of the town centre, say that the event "represents an opportunity to celebrate Rotherham talent, build civic pride and support the burgeoning local visitor economy."

In September, Rothbiz revealed first that FKP Scorpio, one of the world’s top ten leading concert promoters, and the promotor for The Reytons tour, had applied to Rotherham Council for a licence for Clifton Park in July 2024.

The hometown heroes confirmed the gig in October and within two days of going on sale, 10,000 tickets were sold for the July 6 date.

Documents submitted as part of the application show that the site would have a capacity of 20,000. Now council documents show that the promoters are hiring the park from July 1 to July 10 2024. The first five days are for building the stage and fencing and performing soundchecks.

Saturday July 6 is set for the concert, with Sunday July 7 earmarked for a "possible second concert, curfew 10.00pm (shut by 10.30pm) – held for a potential second date dependent on ticket sales for 6th. To be confirmed."

The following days would be for packing away after the concert(s) and the hire will involve temporary closure of parts of the park, including the Doncaster Road car park.

The amount Rotherham Council is receiving for the hire of the venue has not been disclosed but it has been confirmed that the authority will instruct a company to manage nearby Herringthorpe playing fields as a paid car park, similar to that at Rotherham Show. Parking would be charged at £5, cheaper than typical concert parking to "minimise disruption and discourage parking on residential streets."

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FKP Scorpio has already been granted a premises licence, with no formal objections. It is due to be reviewed by Rotherham Events Safety Advisory Group (RESAG) in January.

The band recently used social media to announce that the age limit has been reduced to age 10 from 14. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder who remains on site.

Support acts have also been confirmed for "the biggest concert the town has ever seen" - Jamie Webster, Little Man Tate, Lucy Spraggan, Andrew Cushin and The Rosadocs.

The council report adds that talks began over a Rotherham concert back in 2022, before The Reyton's secured their first-ever Number 1 album with "What’s Rock And Roll?" at the start of 2023.

The report states: "The Reytons have a significant local fanbase and have referenced Clifton Park in one of their hit songs, with the video also filmed at Clifton Park. There is no large enough music venue in Rotherham to host this home-coming gig, other than an outdoor venue.

"Clifton Park is so strongly associated with the band that any alternative would have meant the concert would be unlikely to go ahead."

Making the decision to hire out the park, the report concludes: "It represents support for a local cultural phenomenon of national significance, and will widen access to local talent for Rotherham audiences, strengthening civic pride. The event is anticipated to bring positive press coverage and will further support the burgeoning local visitor economy by encouraging overnight stays from the band’s regional and national fan base."

The Reytons website

Images: The Reytons / Facebook

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News: Licence approved for massive Reytons gig in Rotherham

FKP Scorpio UK has seen its licence application conditionally approved that will enable hometown heroes, The Reytons, to play a massive event at Clifton Park in Rotherham town centre next summer.

Rothbiz revealed in September that FKP Scorpio, one of the world’s top ten leading concert promoters, and the promotor for The Reytons tour, had applied to Rotherham Council for a licence for Clifton Park in July 2024.

The licence covers the performance of live music, any playing of recorded music and the sale by retail of alcohol. "Opening hours" cover July 6 and 7 and would be from 2pm until 11:30pm, although activity, including soundchecks, could take place from the Friday afternoon.

Documents submitted as part of the application show that the site would have a capacity of 20,000.

Within two days of going on sale, 10,000 tickets were sold for the gig on July 6.

The licence comes with a number of conditions relating to alcohol sales and security.

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Promotors will also need to provide an Event Management Plan (EMP) to the Council and other responsible authorities no less than 12 weeks prior to the event.

A standard practice for large events, the EMP covers aspects around event safety, event management, transport, contingency plans, noise management, adverse weather and risk assessments.

FKP Scorpio is responsible for some Europe's biggest festivals such as Hurricane and Southside aswell as being a tour partner of music giants such as The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran. For The Reytons gig in Rotherham, it is working with consultants at SC Productions Ltd who have worked on high profile events such as concerts at Knebworth and Cardiff Castle, Creamfields and Ed Sheeran's stadium tour.

The approval states that: "The event shall not take place until such time that the Premises Licence Holder has received written confirmation from the Licensing Authority that that the EMP is agreed as satisfactory."

The licence was granted without going before any boards or committees at the council, which may mean that no objections were received. Applications like this would usually go to a hearing for consideration of any objections.

Rotherham Council is also due to make a decision this month on a contract for the hire of Clifton Park for the event "from the 1st – 10th July 2024, including set up and de-rig."

As previously reported, the stage is set to be situated on the extended car park area off Doncaster Road, with bars, toilets, food areas, backstage and medical tents all enclosed in a "steelshield."

The perimeter is shown around the car park, along the tree line on Middle Lane, along a tree-lined avenue towards the musuem, across the field towards the fun park and back along the path opposite the play area. Plans show two customer entrances and exits - one opposite the fun park and one in the field that backs onto Clifton Grove.

Releasing 100% independently, with no label backing, The Reytons secured their first-ever Number 1 album with "What’s Rock And Roll?" at the start of 2023.

The journey began with 350 people at Plug (now Network) in Sheffield, via The Leadmill, O2 Academy, the fruit and veg aisle at Tesco Extra, and Magna in Rotherham (the 4,500 capacity 2022 gig which sold out in ten hours), before reaching the 12,500 capacity Utilita Arena. A recently announced European tour is due to start in April.

The Reytons website

Images: The Reytons / Facebook / Google Maps

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