REM returning to Old Trafford

4:20pm Monday 25th February 2008

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REM are to play at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Sunday, August 24.

Lancashire say they are able to hold the concert on that date as it will take place after the county's last home fixture of the season.

The county's last home match of the 2008 season at Old Trafford will be several weeks earlier than usual on Sunday August 17 against Middlesex Crusaders.

This is to enable extensive work to be carried out on the outfield and drainage system during the summer months.</.

Lancashire's chief executive Jim Cumbes said: "Earlier this year our consultants SJM Concerts approached the club about hosting a concert in late August as part of REM's European Tour.

"Under normal circumstances and with fixtures already confirmed for 2008, it would've been impossible to hold such an event.

"But with the outfield already scheduled to be dug up that week and the extra revenue the club will generate by hosting this one-off concert - it was a win win situation for everyone."

It will be the third time REM have played at Old Trafford in five years, having previously headlined at the Move event in 2003 and at their own one-day event in 2005.

Tickets for REM's concert at Old Trafford go on sale at 9am on Friday February 29.