The Wanted, Snow Patrol, Stereophonics and more for Olympic shows

The Wanted, Snow Patrol and Stereophonics are among some of the acts confirmed for a series of gigs up and down the country to mark the start of the Olympic Games.

Duran Duran, Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini and Stereophonics will play a will play London’s Hyde Park as part of the Olympics opening ceremony on July 27.

The bands have been chosen by Olympic organisers to represent each of the countries of the British Isles; Duran Duran will represent England, Snow Patrol will represent Ireland, Paolo Nutini will represent Scotland, while Stereophonics will represent Wales.

Meanwhile, The Wanted, Emeli Sande, You Me At Six, Rizzle Kicks and Mark Ronson & Katy B will play a series of shows up and down the UK to coincide with the Olympic Torch Relay.

Dates and line-ups are as follows:

May
25 Cardiff, Cooper's Field: You Me At Six, Emeli Sande, and Kids In Glass Houses

June
08 Glasgow, George Square: Eliza Doolittle, Emeli Sande and General Fiasco
24 Leeds, Temple Newsam Park: Friendly Fires, Tribes and Little Comets
30 Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park: TBA

July
26 London, Hyde Park: Dizzee Rascal, The Wanted, Mark Ronson & Katy B, Eliza Doolittle, You Me At Six, Rizzle Kicks, Wretch 32, Morning Parade, Loick Essien and Little Comets.

As previously announced, Blur, New Order and The Specials will play a concert in London’s Hyde Park on August 12 to mark the end of the games.