Top stars head for Scarborough

Dionne Warwick is to perform in Scarborough. Credit: Promotional picture

Three big name acts are to perform at Scarborough's troubled Open Air Theatre – the first announcements after months of uncertainty about the venue's line up for this summer season.

Promoters say they are delighted that the theatre is to play host to American veteran singer Dionne Warwick, X Factor runner-up Olly Murs and boy band JLS.

Dionne Warwick, who is the aunt of the late Whitney Houston, will perform on Wednesday 6 June, followed by Olly Murs on Sunday 15July and JLS on Saturday 18 August.

All three will be will supportedby high-profile guest acts, with details of those to be announced soon. Scarborough Council, which owns the theatre and which has faced criticism over delays to this year's programme, says more big acts are also being lined up.

Tickets for the threeconfirmed acts will go on sale a week on Monday 12 March through ticketmaster.co.uk.Further details of how people can buy tickets locally will be announced nextweek.

JLS will perform at Scarborough's Open Air Theatre. Credit: Promotional picture

Apollo Leisure, which runs the theatre, was due to launch its summer programme in January, but has still to make any of its own announcements.

Hoteliers in the resort have criticised the delays and warned that they could lead to visitors snubbing Scarborough and booking holidays elsewhere.

The £3.5m theatre was reopened by the Queen in summer 2010 after being closed for 26 years. It is the largest open air theatre in Europe.