MUSIC legend Morrissey will be one of the first artists to play at the newly reopened Barbican. The ex-Smiths frontman has confirmed a string of UK dates, including a date in York on June 25.

It is the biggest booking so far for the Paragon Street venue, which will re-open in May having lain empty for six years.

A spokesperson for promoters SJM Concerts said: “We are delighted to be bringing Morrissey to York Barbican and look forward to many more shows in the newly reopened venue.”

Morrissey will be supported by hotly-tipped Nashville band Mona.

He is booked to play a total of nine dates across the UK, including Perth, Inverness, Dunoon, Dunfermline, Hawick, Grimsby, York, Bradford and Cheltenham.

The Barbican auditorium is currently undergoing a £2 million transformation.

Its future was secured when York council and venue operators SMG Europe announced a 30-year agreement.

A council spokeswoman said it was hoped the auditorium would bring between £9m and £11m to the York economy annually.

The Barbican, which has recently been granted a license to open round-the-clock and serve alcohol until 4am if necessary, hopes to stage about 250 events a year.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Hallé Orchestra and Jack Jones have also been booked to play at the Barbican.

Tickets for the Morrissey gig, which will cost £32.50 plus booking fee, go on sale on Friday March 18 at 9am, the SJM Concerts spokesperson said.

Visit gigsandtours.com or phone 0844 811 0051 for tickets.