THE Coral are to play York Barbican Centre on December 18 in a new addition to the Liverpool chart toppers' sold-out tour.

Tickets go on sale at £14 from October 25 at 10am and are available either from the Barbican box office or by ringing 01904 656688.

David Honan, from the Barbican marketing department, says: "Demand for The Coral 2003 tour has resulted in all venues selling out and the need for more tour dates. York Barbican Centre has met increased demand by adding itself to the tour schedule."

The Coral released their self-titled debut album last year and this August came the follow-up, Magic And Medicine. They made their one and only York appearance so far in February 2002, at Fibbers, where they had previously postponed the gig three times, citing illness in the band on each occasion. When the Scouse teens did finally break their York duck, they played only a short set on account of lead singer Matt Skelly's sore throat.

Here's hoping for more magic and no need for medicine this time.

Updated: 09:52 Friday, October 24, 2003