Arena set for big opening day

Star quality: Steve Redgrave is coming to town to help launch the new Middleton Arena.

Final preparations are underway at the Middleton Arena for the star-studded public launch being held this Saturday (25 April).

Olympic great Sir Steve Redgrave CBE will join 2008 Silver Medallist Keri-Anne Payne, former Manchester City footballer Tommy Booth, Commonwealth Boxing Champion Matthew Hall and former Paralympic Judo star Simon Jackson MBE at the special event to launch the £15 million flagship sports and entertainment venue.

As well as giving people a chance to meet the sporting stars, a range of activities will be taking place from 11am, including guided tours of the facilities.

Visitors will be able to get a taste of the activities available at the arena including fitness centre, pools and sports facilities.

A showcase of local talent will include an open drama session at 11am by MAD Theatre Workshop followed by a demonstration by Eileen Jeffrey’s salsa and ballroom dance groups.

An afternoon of entertainment is promised from the Anita Tymcyshyn Dancers, Langley Skylites Cheerleaders and Middleton Popstars when young people will each perform on stage in the new auditorium.

Also welcoming the crowds will be Middleton Brass Band, who will be playing during the afternoon.

Local health groups including the Exercise on Prescription scheme, Middleton Healthy Living Initiative and Heartline will be on hand to give healthy lifestyle advice and information about local activities.

Hand massage and nail art will also be available from Hopwood Hall College students.

There will also be the chance to win a home exercise bike donated by the arena’s fitness partner, Life Fitness, in a free prize draw, plus a special ‘Zero Joining Fee’ fitness promotion for anyone thinking of shaping up for summer.

Free taster sessions will be on offer from the arena’s physical activity co-ordinator with games such as ultimate frisbee and dodgeball. Other activities for young people include youth gym specialists Shokk who will be bringing down their break dance team.

Organisers promise there will be lots to do for all ages with activities also including a bouncy castle, face painting, circus skills, arts and crafts, poetry writing, science experiments and crazy golf.

Five times Olympic gold medallist rower Sir Steve Redgrave is visiting to mark the launch of the new arena. After striking gold in Sydney 2000 he became Britain's only ever athlete to have won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic games. He has also won three Commonwealth Games gold medals and nine World Rowing Championships gold medals. Any budding ‘Steve Redgrave’s’ can get the chance to take part in an indoor rowing competition.

The launch event runs from 11am to 3pm, admission is free and everyone is welcome. Steve Redgrave will be signing autographs at approximately 12.15pm.

Additional parking will be available close by the Middleton Arena on Saturday 25 April. Free car parks at Brook House and Othen House will be staffed throughout the afternoon and clearly signposted.

The public launch kicks off a week of special events at the arena, culminating with a live stand up show by comic Dave Spikey on Sunday 3 May in aid of the Paws for Kids charity.

For tickets:

Visit www.seetickets.com

Telephone: 0871 230 0010