Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Fans scale new heights for Cliff . . .

Thursday 29 February 1996 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Armed with flasks of tea, camper gas stoves and provisions, 60 Cliff Richard fans are taking turns "camping out" in sub-zero temperatures in a multi-storey car park in order to buy tickets to see their pop hero.

The fans, who have pitched their tents on the draughty 11th floor of the south car park at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, want to be among the first in the queue when tickets for Heathcliff - Sir Cliff's musical adaptation of Emily Bronte's novel Wuthering Heights - go on sale on Monday.

Obliging Arena staff have given them the go-ahead to stay and they've even opened up lavatory and shower facilities for the hardy fans. More are expected to arrive this weekend to snap up the 4,000 tickets for each of the 16 shows which kick off on 16 October.

One die-hard fan, Phil Finnimore, 46, is planning to spend nearly pounds 900 to buy tickets for himself and his wife, Pat, for all 16 performances. The wages clerk from Holloway Head in Birmingham, said: "People think we're crazy but it's all worth it - Cliff is a fantastic performer and the shows will be brilliant."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in