Robbie, the former Take That singer turned megastar, will play Leeds' Roundhay Park on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 September 2006 as part of his world tour. Tickets for both dates sold out as soon as they were released. Around 90,000 people are expected to attend each night. The venue - Rounday ParkRoundhay Park is no stranger to huge outdoor concerts but it is almost 10 years since rock giants U2 played the park. The audience was around 85,000 strong for Bono's gang. Other big names that have rocked Roundhay include Genesis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Rolling Stones, Simple Minds and Bruce Springsteen. Genesis must have liked Leeds, the band made two trips to the park in both 1987 and 1992. The most recent big event to be held in the park was the Leeds Mela in August 2006. Getting there and traffic informationThe concert arena will be open on both days from 2-11pm. In order to cope with the increase in traffic heading towards Roundhay Park a series of road closures and restrictions will be in place from 10am-3am each day. Traffic delays are expected with the Friday evening rush-hour traffic expected to be particularly heavy. At this time and throughout the weekend it is advised that motorists avoid making any non-essential journeys in the area around Roundhay Park. A shuttle bus (X25) will run to and from Roundhay Park on both days, from Neville Street near Leeds Rail Station. After the concert finishes the shuttle bus will be returning to the city centre from Old Park Road with the final bus leaving Roundhay at 1am. A day return ticket will cost £4, with a single ticket £3, no concessions available. Part of the fare will be donated to charity. Metro have warned that regular bus services in the area will be affected due to heavier than normal traffic. Routes 2, 12, 98/X98/99 are subject to changes on the Friday and Saturday. You can contact Metroline on 0113 245 7676 for more information about public transport. Road closures and restrictionsLocal residents will be given access permits while the restrictions are in place. If a permit isn't displayed access will not be granted. Residents should alert a marshall to allow entry/exit to roads in a safe manner. A58 Wetherby Road - between Easterly Road and Roundhay Road:
No through traffic. Access for residents of Wetherby Road, residents of adjoining streets north of Wetherby Road and event traffic only. Residents of adjoining streets south of Wetherby Road will not be permitted access from Wetherby Road.
Traffic approaching Wetherby Road from the south along Roundhay Road will only be able to turn left into the park entrance at the clock tower. Traffic approaching from the north along Wetherby Road will only be able to turn right into the park entrance. Old Park Road, Park Avenue, West Avenue and The Carriage Drive:
Access for resident permits only. Princess Avenue:
Closed to through traffic. Oakwood Lane:
Full closure between Oak Tree Drive and Amberton Road/Foundry Lane junction.
Southbound closed between Clock Tower and Oak Tree Drive. Hollin Hill Drive, Hollin Hill Avenue, Oakwood Park, Bedford Court, Oakwood Grange (and all directly connected streets)
Access for resident permits only. School closuresThe following schools have contacted all parents and carers informing them of the following changes to usual arrangements on Friday 8 September: - Allerton Grange School (closed all day)
- BESD Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (closed all day)
- Cardinal Heenan (closed at 1.15pm)
- Chapel Allerton Primary (closed at 1.15pm)
- EAST Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre - John Jamieson (closed all day)
- Kerr Mackie Primary (closed at 12pm midday)
- Moor Allerton Hall Primary (closed at 1pm)
- Moortown Primary (closed at 1pm)
- Parklands Girls High (closed all day)
- Roundhay St John's (closed at 12pm midday)
- Roundhay School Technology College (closed all day)
- St Augustine's Catholic Primary (Not closing but parents and carers can collect children by prior arrangement at 1pm)
- Shadwell Primary (Not closing but parents and carers can collect children by prior arrangement at 1pm)
| 
