MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: Global superstar to rock Mackay in 2017

MACKAY will play host to one of the world's biggest superstars Sir Elton John later this year.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for regional Queensland." That's the message from legend music promoter Michael Chugg on Sir Elton's upcoming concerts in Mackay and Cairns.

Everything you need to know

What Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said the performance in September would further cement Mackay as "a centre for events".

"Our local council has worked very hard to bring events to our great city," Mrs Gilbert said.

"What it means is bringing jobs to our region. We see all those buses coming, it fills up our local hotels, motels and restaurants and is a great party atmosphere."

Mirani MP Jim Pearce reinforced the benefits for the wider central Queensland region.

"Out in the coalfields where I come from the good people they'll be filling up buses and heading this way too," Mr Pearce said.

"There are a lot out in Central Queensland around that age, same age as me, same age as the premier.

"I'm excited. I remember 'Angel in the Wind' - sorry, Candle in the Wind - because Princess Di was my idol and when she passed away it was a great honour Sir Elton John played that song to give her the respect she deserved."

From the Queensland Premier:

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a huge concert like this will do a lot for confidence in the Mackay region.

"We know with the downturn of the mining industry, having a concert like this will bring a lot of happiness to these regions," she said.

"I'd like to see a Queenslanders first policy for this."

Ms Palaszczuk was asked how much the councils spent on bringing Sir Elton to the regions.

"They're commercial in confidence arrangements," she said.

"This is what the regions need as well."

Mayor Greg Williamson:

"Well how awesome is this?" Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said.

"When Bob and I six months ago started talking about 'Project X' we couldn't believe it at that stage. We said 'well how much money should we put into this?' And we said 'well, whatever it takes'.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase our region. We're going to get a lot of people from all over Australia to see our region and it'll be an outstanding event like we've never before seen."

READ MORE: What you need to know about Sir Elton John coming to Mackay.

"It's tremendous to have the premier here today to make this announcement; we're so looking forward to the end of September to welcome Sir Elton John to Mackay," Cr Williamson said.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning:

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the Elton John concert was a huge boon for the regions.

"Hell this is North Queensland, this is the centre of the universe. This is something special," he said.

Promoter Michael Chugg:

"IT'S a once in a lifetime opportunity for regional Queensland."

That's the message from legend music promoter Michael Chugg on Sir Elton's upcoming concerts in Mackay and Cairns.

"I got summoned into the inner sanctum as they call it (at a previous Elton show in Sydney," Mr Chugg said.

"(Elton) said Chuggy I want to come back in 2017 and want to play some out of the way places I've never played before.

"I love a challenge, we knew it was some time to do some things up here and with Matthew working hard last year or so with Tourism Events Queensland to work so hard to get this together. It's a great thing to happen.

"I'd like to thank councils of Mackay and Cairns. I'm a bit nervous today."

Ticket prices will start from $99, he said.

"It gives the towns, cities and businesses to host corporate guests and have a bit of a drink and a party.

"We're looking at opening the gates about 4pm and then Elton will hit the stage in darkness about 7.30-8pm in both cities and hopefully get him off stage before curfews."

Mr Chugg advised fans to stick to the official Moshtix and MECC ticketing websites, to avoid "bootlegging" and ticket scalpers taking advantage of eager fans.

BREAKING:

MACKAY will play host to one of the world's biggest superstars Sir Elton John later this year.

The 69-year-old will take to the stage at BB Print Stadium during his regional Once In A Lifetime tour in September.

EARLIER:

A MAJOR announcement will be made this morning for the biggest concert to hit Mackay, with thousands expected to descend on the region to see the big name.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will join Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Cairns Mayor Bob Manning at BB Print Stadium for the announcement this morning.

The Daily Mercury will bring you the news as soon as it happens via our homepage.

Mackay has hosted big-name concerts over the years, so the global act is sure to be in great company.

Here are some of the other big shows to grace Mackay stages:

Kiss and Motley Crew: March 16, 2013 at then-Virgin Australia Stadium (now BB Print Stadium)

Powderfinger: October 3, 2010 at Mackay Showgrounds

John Farnham: Two shows in 2003 at Mackay Showgrounds

The Angels: July 29, 1998 at The Blue Moose nightclub

You Am I: January 14, 1998 at the Blue Moose nightclub

Silverchair: November 21, 1997 at Mackay Showgrounds

Midnight Oil: June 30, 1994 at the Blue Moose nightclub

James Blundell Band: May 17, 1992 at the MECC

Dire Straits: March 31, 1986 at Mackay Showgrounds

INXS: September 22, 1985 and August 22, 1987 at Mackay Showgrounds -- May 27, 2001 and August 29, 2006 at Canelands Sound Shelter - October 3, 1980, October 2, 1990 and October 4, 1990 at the MECC.

Cold Chisel: September 26, 1982 at Mackay Showgrounds and July 14, 1980

Australian Crawl: August 13, 1982 and again in 2013 at the MECC.

Skyhooks: June 8, 1977 at Theatre Royal -- June 1, 1978 at the Oriental Hotel - December 18, 1990 at Paradise Nightclub

Little River Band: May 18, 1976 and November 26, 1982 at Theatre Royal and April 21, 1988 at Paradise Nightclub.

Do you remember seeing a big-name band in Mackay? Share your memories in the comments below!