New shows scheduled for the 2021 season at Barrow's The Forum sold out within hours.

Award-winning comedian Sarah Millican announced she will performing in the venue next August, while chart-topping band Scouting for Girls are set to play at The Forum in October as part of their UK and Ireland tour.

Tickets for both nights sold out shortly after going on sale – with additional shows scheduled for the year ahead from comedians Ross Noble, Jenny Eclair and Omid Djalili now also subject to high demand.

The newly-announced performances are in addition to those rescheduled from this year after The Forum’s calendar of events was postponed as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Councillor Shaun Blezard, Barrow Borough Council’s lead member for arts, culture and leisure, said: “The Forum continues to attract a superb range of artists, shows and performances and we are lucky to have a venue of this calibre right in the heart of our borough.

“It’s heartwarming to hear the most recently announced shows for next year are being so well supported.

“This year has been especially tough for arts venues like The Forum right across the country but we’re looking forward to better times ahead as soon as it is safe.”

The Forum, operated by Barrow Borough Council, hosts a calendar of some 250 performances watched by more than 700,000 people every year.

The popular entertainment venue was selected to receive a share of the Culture Recovery Fund announced in October to help venues cope with the ongoing challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Blezard said: “We have an incredibly skilled and hardworking team at The Forum who make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy in the range of entertainment on offer.

“Arts and culture is something we celebrate in our borough and I thank everyone for their continued support for such a fantastic facility.”

To check out the upcoming events at The Forum, visit www.theforumbarrow.co.uk