Superstar Elton John is to play a huge open-air gig in Kent next year, it was revealed today.

The multi-million selling singer will be appearing at the Kent Event Centre at the Kent Showground, Detling, near Maidstone, on Sunday, May 31.

It will be the first time he has appeared in the county since a sell-out show at the St Lawrence cricket ground in Canterbury in June 2006. Tickets for the all-seated show go on sale tomorrow at 9am.

Elton is stopping off in Kent as part of a European tour that will see him playing hits and album tracks from across his five-decade career, including a selection of songs from his classic Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road album.

Elton said: "My band and I are very much looking forward to returning to Kent. I cannot believe it has been eight years since we last played there… too long!

"The fans in the South East have always made me feel very welcome during my several shows in the county, and I can’t wait to bring our show to the Kent Event Centre. I am sure we will all have a fantastic time.”

The venue's event manager, Alison Wallington, said: "We are delighted that Elton John has chosen to bring one of his shows to the Kent Showground.

"The Kent Event Centre is home to many public events each year, from garden shows through to Christmas parties, but I know that the addition of the Elton John show will prove to be a firm favourite with all our customers and the community of Kent."

Elton is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 37 gold and 27 multi-platinum albums as well as 58 Billboard Top 40 singles, and he has sold more than 250 million records worldwide.

He holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, Candle in the Wind 1997, which sold 33 million copies.

Tickets will be available from 9am tomorrow at kmfm.co.uk or via the 24hr credit card hotline on 08448 24 48 24 or 0844 847 2441.

Details of hospitality packages are available on 01622 633 064.

Video: Elton John is coming to Kent

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