IT is 24 years since some of the biggest names in entertainment put on a show to raise money for Warrington's Peace Centre.

The gala evening at the end of March 2000 was also the start of a rebirth for Birchwood's Spectrum Arena as an entertainment venue.

It was organised to mark the opening of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Young People's Centre - seven years after the devastating bombing.

International musician, Rick Wakeman put the show together with the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Trust.

Nikki Dibb, who marketed the event, said at the time: "We are delighted that something like the peace centre wants to hold this event at Spectrum.

"It's a great way of showing to the rest of the world that out of bad can come something good."

Among the acts to perform were Atomic Kitten, featuring Warrington's own Kerry Katona, former Spandau Ballet start Tony Hadley and comedian Joe Pasquale.

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Event organiser Nick Taylor, who becamechief executive of the peace centre, said at the time: "I am particularly pleased that we are able to help re-open the Spectrum Arena.

"It's a great venue and easy to reach by car and rail. Rick Wakeman is an amazing performer and some of the names he is planning to bring along would sell all the tickets in their own right."

Concert goers paid just £10 for a ticket.

The experiment with the Spectrum sadly did not last and it is now home to BetFred.

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Joe Pasquale

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Joe and Rick Wakeman

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Atomic Kitten

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Tony Hadley enjoying a pint

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Tony Hadley

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