One of Australia's most successful musicians, Paul Kelly can add another accolade to his list of achievements - the fastest sell-out in Lighthouse Theatre history.
Tickets to see the legendary performer in Warrnambool on July 27 and 28 were snapped up in just 18 minutes during the Frontier presale, and the remaining general admission tickets sold out within 10 minutes.
This edges out previous record holders and perennial fast-sellers The Wiggles.
In total, more than 1100 Paul Kelly tickets were sold across the two shows.
Warrnambool Mayor Vicki Jellie said that incredibly strong ticket sales to Paul Kelly and other shows in 2021 indicated that Warrnambool and people from further afield were embracing live performances and aiding in the city's COVID-19 recovery.
"To go from the lows of 2020 to breaking records in 2021, it says a lot about the importance that arts and culture play in the lives of so many people," she said.
"It's not just Paul Kelly that's proving popular either, ticket sales generally are very strong.
"People know they are guaranteed a great show, and to have so many people booking well in advance is a big public vote of confidence in the Lighthouse Theatre.
"The Lighthouse plays in important role for our hospitality industry too. It wouldn't be a night at the theatre without dinner at a local restaurant or perhaps a glass of wine at a local bar, and especially when there's a big show on, you can really see the impact.
"From Paul Kelly to Archie Roach, Human Nature, John Williamson, Bell Shakespeare and kids' favourite Bluey, the big acts are choosing Warrnambool's Lighthouse Theatre as an important location on their tours.
"It really is a terrific facility, and with the 39-year-old sound system recently upgraded to a state-of-the-art setup in the same style as what you'd find in the Sydney Opera House, the theatre is going from strength to strength.
"I'd like to thank the staff and volunteers at the Lighthouse Theatre for their supreme efforts. Warrnambool and the region are truly fortunate to have not just a venue like the Lighthouse Theatre, but the dedicated people who operate it as well."
Cr Jellie cautioned against anyone who missed out on a ticket turning to third-party resellers.
"The Lighthouse Theatre is the only authorised seller of tickets, and has no obligation to honour tickets purchased from unauthorised resellers," she said.
"You should never buy tickets from companies like Viagogo who charge highly inflated fees, and you may not even receive your ticket."
