AlgoaFM Presents: Sir Elton John LIVE in South Africa!

Starts: 26 March 2010
Ends: 26 March 2010
Category: Concerts and Shows

AlgoaFM proudly presents the return of Elton John to South Africa in March 2010 on his exciting solo tour ‘Under African Skies”.  The legendary superstar will be joined in a relaxed, picnic style concert by long-time collaborator and renowned percussionist, Ray Cooper.

To date he has sold over 250 million records worldwide and had a multitude of hits including `Rocket Man`, `Goodbye Yellow Brick Road`, `Your Song` and `Don`t Let The Sun Go Down On Me`. He has also had success in film when he composed ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ for Disney’s: “The Lion King”, which won him both a Grammy and an Academy Award.  Elton has gone onto compose various musical scores including Aida, Lestat and the award winning musical Billy Elliot, which has played to well over 2.5 million people in London, Sydney and in New York where it recently won 10 Tony awards including Best Musical.

Be sure not to miss this iconic performance LIVE at the NMMU Sportsfields in Port Elizabeth! 

When: Friday 26 March 2010 19:30
Gates Open: 17:30
Where: N.M.M.U South Campus, Port Elizabeth
Cost: R399 per person
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes, no interval

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The concert is advertised as ‘picnic style’ – what does this mean?

You’re welcome to bring you own food and beverages into the concert in order to enjoy a picnic experience, however please note the following restrictions:
•    You may bring in alcohol into the venue as long as it is in a plastic bottle or container.
•    Please do not bring glass or breakable crockery into the gardens.  Shards from broken glass are a safety issue for patrons.
•    Although cleaners are employed at the venue, we kindly request that you remove your own trash or make use of the trash cans provided.
•    Bringing seats into the venue is discouraged as it blocks the view of other patrons.

Can I buy food at the concert?
Yes, there will be a number of food vendors at the concert.

Is the concert area a non-smoking space?
Absolutely – in terms of smoking legislation smoking is strictly not-permitted unless in designated smoking areas.

Are there recycling points?
No. However there will be rubbish bins.

Is there a support act?
No – Elton John (and his guests including Ray Cooper) are the only artists on the bill.

If tickets are defaced or damaged in any way will entry be refused on arrival?
If your ticket is damaged or defaced in any way or are not purchased from          authorised points of sale, entry may be refused and a refund denied.

Can I resell my ticket or use it for commercial purposes such as advertising, promotional competitions or to promote the sales of other goods and services?
Without prior consent, tickets must not be resold or offered for resale (including on-line auction sites) or used for commercial purposes including advertising, promotional competions, or to promote the sales of other goods and services. If this condition is breached the ticket may be cancelled without refund and the bearer of the ticket may be refused entry.

Is it safe to buy someone elses ticket?
In order to be certain that your ticket is not conterfeit/fake you should purchase it directly from Computicket only.  Our security staff are trained in spotting counterfeits, and even though you might believe that you purchased a legitimate ticket from a tout/friend/gumtree you might find yourself denied entry into the venue (without a refund), or even arrested for possession of a fake ticket voucher.

Can I buy a ticket at the Box Office?
There is a good chance that the event will be SOLD OUT, in which case there will be no tickets available at the box office.  To be certain, visit www.computicket.com where you can reserve a ticket online, and then simply collect it from the box office at the venue.

If tickets are lost or stolen will they be replaced?
Tickets are considered legal tender and as such we cannot replace or refund lost or stolen tickets.

Are tickets non-transferable and non-exchangeable?
Tickets are non-transferable and non-exchangeable, unless otherwise advised by the promoters.

Will the concert go ahead if it rains?
Yes – generally we proceed come rain or shine.  Only in cases of extreme inclement weather conditions where lives or property is in danger will the safety and security services call off the event.  If this is the case, the show will either be rescheduled or tickets will be refunded.

Will I be searched on arrival?
Yes, you may be subject to a personal search and/or search of your personal possessions at the time of entry to the venue.

If you refuse to comply with a security check will you be denied entry?
Security procedures are in effect for your own safety and as a consequence you may be requested to submit to a search of your person and/ or property.  Failure to comply will mean you will be prevented from entering the event.

What are the consequences to disruptive and offensive behaviour?
Appropriate standards of behaviour are expected of all fans attending the event and persons deemed to be behaving in a manner that is dangerous or unacceptable to management will be refused admission and/or removed from the venue with no refund on the ticket.

Are activities such as stage diving, moshing, climbing and crowd surfing allowed?
Activities such as ‘stage diving’, ‘moshing’, ‘climbing’ and ‘crowd surfing’ are strictly prohibited for your own safety.

What items are you NOT allowed to bring into the venue?
•    Deck chairs or any other seat are discouraged, as it obstructs the view of other patrons.
•    Glass bottles/containers or other heavy objects , which could potentially be used as projectiles (excluding sunglasses, binoculars and prescription or reading glasses)
•    Any illegal drugs
•    Skateboards, scooters, roller blades or bicycles
•    Knives, weapons or fireworks
•    Any object that could be used to distract, hinder or interfere with any performer including laser pointers and flashlights
•    Flags with poles, large flags or banners that may obstruct the view of other patrons
•    Any whistle, horn, musical instrument, loud hailer, public address system
•    Digital, electronic or other recording or broadcast device
•    Any item that you intend to distribute, hawk, sell, offer, expose for sale or display for marketing or promotional purposes
•    No animals apart from authorised guide/companion dogs
•    Any dangerous goods and any other items by management to be dangerous or capable of causing a public nuisance
•    Professional cameras or video recorders
•    Umbrellas (unless there is an obvious threat of rain), in which case small umbrellas will be permitted (please no golf or beach umbrellas).

What items am I allowed to bring in?
•    Picnic baskets and blankets are permitted.

Where is the concert venue?
The NMMU Sportsfields, Port Elizabeth

Can I keep space for other people?
As a courtesy to other people we limit the number of blankets that can be laid out and require that each blanket must be accompanied by at least one guest.

How do I get there?
•    Turn right off Marine Drive and right into Admiralty Way and left into University Way where you will see signage directly you.
•    Or carry on Marine Drive up to the entrance to the NMMU University where there will be signage directly you.

Is there car parking available?
•    Yes. A map is attached with this document showing parking areas at the venue.

How long will it take to get through the gates/security checks?
As with any major event you should allow yourself ample time to get though the gates.  Depending on the time of day and the volume of crowds in attendance - security checks may take some time.  It is for this reason that we would advise that you plan to get to the event early – at least one hour before show time.  This will also allow you to get a good seat!

What should I bring with me on the day?
Tiket(s), adequate cash, PHOTO I.D as proof that you are 18+ years of age (if you are intending to consume alcohol), suitable clothing (including a jacket or jersey).

Are there pass outs from the venue?
No, once you exit the gates (after entry) you will not be permitted to exit and re-enter.  This restriction is in place in order to prevent the consumption of alcohol or illegal substances in cars for instance.
 
What bathroom facilities are there available?
There will be ample toilet facilities onsite including facilities appropriate to the mobility impaired.

Are there lost property areas?
If you find property that someone else has lost, we request that you hand this to one of the security managers at the main pedestrian entrance.  All lost items are can be identified and collected from the Big Concerts office.

Can I take pictures of the performers?
Professional photographic, audio and video equipment is prohibited in order to prevent unauthorised infringement on the publishing, music and other rights owned by the artist.  You will not be allowed to capture the show unless you are an accredited photographer/videographer with a recognised publication or media owner.  Non-Professional and cellphone cameras are acceptable.

Where can I get a Backstage Pass?
You can’t, unless you’re part of the working staff employed by Big Concerts.  And why would you want one anyway – it’s not as glamorous as it seems.
 
What if I injure myself- is there medical personnel/first aid available?
There are experienced medics and doctors available onsite.  These are usually situated at the audio mixing structure, the main entrance and at the stage.

Is there wheel chair/ special needs access?
At every Big Concert we work to ensure that access is as easy as possible for concert fans requiring assistance, including the provision of facilities for mobility impaired to aid enjoyment of the event.  Visit the Big Concerts website (www.bigconcerts.co.za) closer to the event specifically for access and parking details.
 
Can I bring my young child with me?
Yes, but depending on the nature of the event the recommended minimum age may vary.

What time will the gates open?
Exact gate times will be confirmed closer to the event, but we expect to open at 17.30 pm and close before 10:30 pm.  Visit our website at www.bigconcerts.co.za or contact us by email at info@bigconcerts.co.za for more information in this regard closer to the event.

Will there be merchandise available?
Yes, there will be merchandise for sale at the venue.

Are all ages allowed?
Yes, all ages are welcome, but we recommend chaperones for anyone under 18 years.
 

Tickets available at Computicket!

(Listen to the announcement here)

Other Info:

• Box Office Ticket Sales: Opens at 14h00 for sales and collections on the day of the event
• Venue is wheelchair friendly and has special toilet facilities, but no specific parking area for disabled patrons
• Doors/Gates Open at 18h00
• Refreshments available at venue

And if you're not going to be in PE for the concert, here is the complete tour itinerary: 
 
Port Elizabeth
Friday 26th March
NMMU Sportsfields
Tickets R399

Johannesburg
Sunday 21st March 2010
The Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia
Tickets R501
 
Durban
Wednesday 24th March
Moses Mabhida Outer Fields
Tickets R399
 
Cape Town
Sunday 28th March
Val De Vie Wine and Polo Estate, Franschhoek/Paarl Valley
Tickets R501

(Please note all dates are an outdoor ‘picnic style’ concert)

Recent reviews from the ‘Elton John featuring Ray Cooper’ European Tour had the following to say:
 
The Times – ‘He stood and received countless ovations; a hardcore and highly impressive display of the piano man’s craft’.
 
The Evening Standard – ‘His piano playing was powerful whilst his vocal reached master chef levels’.
 
The Daily Telegraph – ‘The power of Sir Elton john’s solo performance reminded his audience that he is a true original’.
 
The Independent – ‘This is Elton unplugged, unvarnished and punishingly impressive’.
 
The Guardian – ‘Elton John and Ray Cooper together were brilliant. John’s piano playing was dazzling’.
 
Be serenaded by this charismatic singer in a summertime picnic style concert!