Stars shine on Middleton Arena

Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Sir Steve Redgrave, Mayor Robin Parker

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

The sun shone in Middleton today (Saturday 25 April) as over 3,000 people turned out for the launch of the new Middleton Arena. Crowds gathered to meet Olympic great Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, who was in town alongside a host of sporting names to formally launch the £15 million flagship sports and entertainment venue.

Sir Steve was joined by 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 as visitors got a taste of the many activities available at the arena.

Five times Olympic gold medallist rower Sir Steve was impressed, he said: It’s a great honour to be here today. The new arena is fantastic and there’s a real buzz here. I really like the way the arena has incorporated sports, arts and entertainment in one place.”

Sir Steve, who won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic games, took to the stage during the afternoon to talk to the hundreds of guests who packed into the new auditorium. On screen the audience were shown highlights of his achievements at the Sydney Olympics nine years ago:  “You have a wonderful new arena. It’s an excellent blend of different kinds of facilitlies.”