OLLY Murs will play York Racecourse after the racecard on Saturday, July 1, a new raceday on the Knavesmire calendar.

The 32-year-old Essex pop singer and television presenter is the first headline act to be announced for next summer’s music and racing double bills, when there will be three rather than two concerts for the first time. The Music Showcase Weekend meetings will follow on July 28 and 29.

Since shooting to fame as the runner-up on the 2009 series of The X Factor, Murs has made four multi-platinum albums and notched up four number one singles, while clocking up record sales exceeding ten million. His latest album, 24 HRS, entered the charts in the top spot earlier this month.

Murs previously played a Music Showcase concert on the Knavesmire course in 2010

 “I’m really looking forward to playing York Racecourse next summer,” he said. “It’ll be one of the first chances I’ll get to play tracks from 24 HRS in the sunshine so will be a special show to share with my fans.

"I love a day out at the races too, so can’t wait to get in the crowd during the day to place a cheeky bet.”

York Press:

Tickets go on sale today from 9am at yorkracecourse.co.uk or on 01904 620911 for the first of two North Yorkshire outdoor concerts by Murs next summer.

He will play Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Sunday, July 9, with the box office opening at 9am on December 2 at ticketmaster.co.uk and scarboroughopenairtheatre.com or in person from the box office in Burniston Road.