Progressive pop/rock band the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) will play one final home town show on Saturday (July 5) at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, part of Jeff Lynne’s ELO farewell tour, which ends on July 13 at Hyde Park, London.
Alongside Black Sabbath’s ‘Back to the Beginning’ show the gigs are part of a busy month for the second city, with other major events including England Men’s test match vs India (July 2-6); Stevie Wonder’s Love, Light & Song concert on July 7; the Birmingham Cocktail Weekend (July 10-13); England Women’s IT20 cricket fixture against India (July 12); Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival (July 11-13); Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival (July 18-27); and Sandwell Mela (July 19-20).
Where is the event taking place and when?
Jeff Lynne’s ELO will be playing at the Utilita Arena Birmingham (B1 2AA), with the show kicking off at 8pm on Saturday (July 5).
Tickets for the show have sold out on Ticketmaster, with limited resale tickets available.
The Utilita ArenaWho is performing?
ELO formed in 1970 and shot to fame with iconic songs such as Mr. Blue Sky, Don’t Bring Me Down and Last Train To London.
So far on their tour the Brummie band have been joined by special guests including The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood and Dhani Harrison, with the latter joining them in Birmingham this weekend.
Jeff Lynne of ELOWhat does this mean for Birmingham?
Hotel occupancy in Birmingham city centre is anticipated to surge close to 90 per cent, significantly higher when compared with the first Saturday in July 2024 (52 per cent).
Figures from STR also suggest that Birmingham’s hoteliers will enjoy increased occupancy levels for the first three weeks in July, in contrast to 12 months earlier.
Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The eyes of the world will be on Birmingham for an extraordinary, unrivalled few days of music, sport and foodie events, delivering real-time economic benefits to our local businesses and communities.
“There is always such a special atmosphere in the city on major event days.
“We look forward to bringing people together and providing the backdrop for a vibrant celebration of Birmingham’s culture and heritage, creating more special experiences and memories for our visitors.”
Jen Mitchell, managing director of Utilita Arena Birmingham and bp pulse LIVE, said: “Welcoming thousands of fans to the city is what we do best – but hosting Brummie legends ELO makes this weekend particularly special. With major moments also happening across the city, from Black Sabbath at Villa Park to the Test Match at Edgbaston, it’s a real showcase of Birmingham’s strength as a large-scale live events destination.”