HAYDOCK Park racecourse will see Rick Astley hit the stage later this month.

The 53-year-old singer will perform an open air concert at the venue after an evening's racing on Saturday, July 20.

Rick rose to fame in the 1980s with his solo debut Never Gonna Give You Up a global smash, making number one in 25 countries.

Over the following few years Rick had success with 13 international hit singles.

He made a comeback in the "Noughties" and became a viral sensation with the "Rickrolling" phenomenon.

He released his platinum selling album “50” in 2016 and this year returned with his "Beautiful Life”, which made the Top 10.

Ahead of his return to Haydock Park, Rick says he is ready to hit the stage and is looks forward to the differing challenge of an outdoor performance, compared with his own arena gigs.

He said: "The thing is, it’s a very different thing when you do those outdoor shows.

"I’ve done Haydock a couple of times and I’ve done several racecourses and a couple of Formula One Grand Prix.

"It’s like the audience have actually gone there to do something else and then it’s like: 'wow, there’s some music' and the band and crew and I take that on board and I make sure everyone remembers we’re there to entertain people.

"I’m not saying I abandon being an artist completely, but I think it’s our job to have some fun and make the people have a bit of fun because that’s why you’ve been hired to do it.

"I have had a few hits back in the day and there will be genuine fans there that want to see me play, so it’s a bit of a mixed audience."

He added: "It’s pretty easy to play to a group of people that came specifically to see you, came out there way tonight, that’s quite an easy job.

"The hard job is when you’re in front of people who don’t necessarily want to see you. It kind of reminds you that’s what it was like playing in pubs and clubs back then. You have to work for it, and that’s always a bit more of a challenge."

Haydock Park always signals a homecoming for Rick, from Newton-le-Willows.

"I remember winning battle of the bands at Haydock Park in the actual club there so it’s strange memories there."