Cliff Richards' Christchurch show sells out

It took just 20 minutes for South Island fans of Cliff Richard and the Shadows to snap up tickets for next year's Christchurch show.

Tickets for the popular British act's three New Zealand shows went on sale this morning.

Organisers said they knew the March 1 event in Christchurch would be popular and have now added a second performance for the following night.

Some keen fans were queueing from 5am to ensure they got their hands on tickets. Christchurch's Westpac Arena can seat almost 9000 people and tickets cost between $110 and $139.

"We knew the demand was strong as we received an unprecedented number of calls from fans in the lead-up to going on sale," said Australian promoter Paul Dainty.

"Cliff Richard and the Shadows have not been to New Zealand since 1961 so it's been a long wait to see this legendary band; we expect tickets for this second show will sell out fast."

A spokeswoman for the show's promoters said sales for the Auckland and New Plymouth shows were strong. However, Christchurch was the only South Island venue and fans there were quick to get their tickets.

- NZPA