Tom Jones to perform in Norwich

Singing superstar Tom Jones is to perform at Norwich City's Carrow Road stadium.

The Welsh legend will appear on June 5 and his appearance follows that of Elton John in 2005 and George Michael in 2007.

The concert announcement comes amid claims that the Canaries' promotion to the Championship will give Norwich a boost as it tries to win City of Culture status.

Norwich City joint-majority shareholder Delia Smith expressed the delight of everyone at the club that the world-famous singer is coming to Norfolk.

She said: 'It's fantastic news that someone of Sir Tom Jones' calibre is coming to perform at our stadium. He's one of pop's consummate all-round performers and always gives a great live show.

'As my mum and my husband are both Welsh they are especially delighted and we can't wait to welcome him to the green, green grass of Carrow Road'

With a five-decade career and a string of worldwide smash hits, Tom is now thoroughly enjoying bringing a show that presents repertoire from the 60s to the present day to audiences in a variety of venues across the world.

With promotion, the city's profile will be raised thanks to the success of the Canaries, who could clinch the League One title today according to the leader of Norwich City Council.

The city is up against Sheffield, Birmingham and Derry in the race to become the first UK City of Culture in 2013 and council leader Steve Morphew said sporting success could reap dividends.

He said: 'It shows the city is being ambitious and dynamic and will push us further up on the national stage. It shows there is an enthusiastic and massive audience in Norwich.

'I know the football club is ambitious and keen to increase the capacity at Carrow Road and it would be nice if it could be used as venue for large outdoor events during the close season during the City of Culture year in 2013.

Carrow Road has been the venue for open air concerts in the past, notably Elton John in 2005 and George Michael in 2007, while in February, during the club's annual meeting, the possibility of the stadium being expanded was raised.'

Norwich City chief executive David McNally said the Canaries had to find ways to accommodate more fans if promotion was secured, but he said additional seating in the short-term would be hundreds, rather than thousands and large-scale expansion would be subject to regaining Premier League status.

But in the meantime, Mr Morphew said the fact Norwich would be on the tip of the tongues of football fans would lead to more tourists heading to Norfolk to discover what the city has to offer.

He added: 'From the point of view of the judges who will consider the City of Culture bid, the more things which are going on in the city the better, and they will see there is a real buzz about the city, thanks in part to the promotion.

'I think we should not forget that football in this city is as much a part of the fabric of the city as any other cultural activity.'

On the impact on the city of the football club's success, Caroline Williams, chief executive of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said earlier this week: 'It should not be underestimated the power that a successful team like Norwich City can have on a community.

'Business confidence is key to a successful economy and there is no doubt when the football team does well there is a feel good factor across the business world which helps builds that confidence.'

Make sure you visit www.pinkun.com for all the latest news and views from Carrow Road.

Tom Jones tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday , priced from �40 and can be booked through www.seetickets.com or by calling 0844 826 1902 (tickets subject to a booking fee).

For more information please go to www.canaries.co.uk or www.tomjones.com

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