This Saturday, the Rocket Man himself is coming to the undisputed jewel of the central belt – glorious Airdrie, North Lanarkshire.
I thought it was as weird as you do. And I’m from Airdrie and have a lot of affection for the former mining town. I was born and raised in Airdrie – and I still live there to this day. It’s a funny wee place, but I love it.
Elton’s impending arrival got me thinking. It’s strange that one of the biggest names in pop will be coming to North Lanarkshire, so we’d better impress him when he’s there. Just in case he fancies coming back.
You see, there’s plenty to do in Airdrie. I’m ignoring the fact that the Tiny Dancer star is going to be helicoptering in and out for his gig at Excelsior Stadium. In my head, he’s going to be hanging with the locals and checking out all the highlights.
With that in mind – Elton! Here’s a few things you can get up to while you’re in town…
Christie’s the Baker
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Christie’s is an Airdrie institution. Home to the ‘domino cake’ – sickly sweet sponge with fake cream and lashings of icing decorated to look like, er, a domino – Christie’s on Graham Street in the town centre is a must-visit for a sugar fix or a simple pie.
Gravit8
In the outlying village of Chapelhall, you’ll find Gravit8 trampoline park. It’s got 80 trampolines, 16,000 square feet of space to play and good times guaranteed! We’re not sure if it’s Elton and David’s cup of tea, but Elijah and Zachary will LOVE it.
Guidi’s
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Good luck getting a table at Guidi’s, because this place is always heaving. The family-owned Italian on Deedes Street is a firm favourite with locals, and they are even some bargain set menu deals to be had. Because everyone loves a cheeky deal, even if they’re minted.
ProBowl 10 Pin Bowling
Right across from the train station is the ProBowl. Our bowling alley, situated right next to Aldi, is a treat. For just £12.50 a head, you’ll get two games, shoe hire AND two drinks. What a bargain! The inside looks like someone has ripped out the interior of an 80s bowling alley and plonked it in an empty unit in the middle of North Lanarkshire. Which is weird because it only opened a few years ago.
Airdrie Golf Club
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I’ve just had a Google and Elton once made reference to playing golf. He’s in luck in Airdrie, because we’ve got a glorious 18-hole course for him to try his hand at!
The shops
Our high street is brimming with stores for Elton to splash his cash. WHSmith, Boots (several branches), Gregg’s, Poundland – we’ve got it all.
Airdrie Observatory
Elton may be a superstar, but has he ever had a look at the actual stars? Housed in Airdrie Public Library – the very first public library in Scotland, I’ll have you know – we’ve got Airdrie Observatory. The smallest and second oldest observatory in Scotland – there’s only four of them – you can pitch up at the telescope and go star gazing.
The Time Capsule
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If you fancy crossing the border to neighbouring town Coatbridge – it’s not all bad – then the one place to go is the glorious Time Capsule. Home to many a fond childhood memory, the Time Capsule leisure centre has an ice rink, kids’ soft play, swimming pool and ‘water park’ with flumes and slides aplenty. The kids will love it!
Elton, you’re going to have a whale of a time in Airdrie. Come back again soon!
You can get tickets for Elton John’s Airdrie show at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
