SO popular is local lad Rick Astley that he has added another date to his UK tour, taking place at the beginning of 2024.

Astley, who is from neighbouring Newton-le-Willows, takes his tour on the road to coincide with the launch of his latest album: 'Are We There Yet?'

The 1980s sensation will be heading to venues such as Manchester AO Arena, and Liverpool M&S Bank Arena.

Warrington Guardian: Astley performed at Mr Smiths in Warrington back in the dayAstley performed at Mr Smiths in Warrington back in the day (Image: Newsquest)

Astley made his Glastonbury debut this summer, with many hailing the set as a triumph.

Ahead of his new album launching on October 6, Astley has announced a new tour date which will see him perform in Liverpool on Thursday, March 7.

Supporting Astley throughout his tour will be Belinda Carlisle - who is another significant artist for the area, her hit 'Heaven is a Place on Earth' being adopted by a local rugby club as their official anthem.

Other supporting acts will be Neighbourhood Weekender favourites Scouting for Girls, as well as Lottery Winners.

Astley has recently released his new single 'Never Gonna Stop' - he said: "I am so excited about the release of ‘Never Gonna Stop’, the second single from my forthcoming album ‘Are We There Yet?’ 

"I love the vibe of it and I hope you love it too."

Warrington Guardian: Astley goes on tour next yearAstley goes on tour next year (Image: Rick Astley)

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian after his triumphant Glastonbury debut, Astley said: "I love it when we play a gig in Manchester or Liverpool, and of course, we’ve played in Warrington as well. I can’t explain it.

"One of the first gigs I went to was in Birchwood. And there were a couple of pubs in Warrington; I used to go to Mr Smiths, and people came from everywhere to go to that place it was huge.

"The light system was amazing there, but when you got to a certain age Manchester had such a draw.

"The Smiths and New Order carved out a spot for themselves on the world scene. It was 18 miles away, you could borrow your brother’s Honda Civic and be in Manchester for the night.

"It had an exotic draw.

"People might laugh at that now, but my God it had a draw for us."

Tickets for Rick Astley's tour are on sale now, with the Liverpool tickets going on sale on Friday, September 15.