SOME 80,000 people attended events in Glasgow's new Hydro Arena in the first week it opened.

And tens of thousands more will visit the stunning new venue tomorrow night as The Proclaimers take centre stage.

They are presently celebrating the success of newly released feelgood movie Sunshine on Leith, which is based around their music.

In other good news, the live show of TV hit Top Gear, which will arrive in January, has been extended from three nights to five.

The opening of the Hydro has also provided a boost for city taxi drivers, who have been kept busy with the long queues which form when concerts end.

Rod Stewart was the first artist to take to the stage on the first night and such was the demand for tickets he performed three additional shows last Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

On the Tuesday, the musical Jesus Christ Superstar packed out the hall, with Fleetwood Mac entertaining a sell-out crowd last Thursday and US singer and song writer Bruno Mars proved a hit on Sunday.

On Wednesday night, Danny Elfman, who has written scores Tim Burton movies, hit the Hydro.

Tonight it is the turn of Cockney stand-up comic Micky Flanagan to take centre stage.

John Langford, the Hydro's director of concerts, events and ticketing said: "We couldn't really have asked for a better opening week. Sell out shows. Over 80,000 through the doors. Glasgow has stepped onto the global stage.

"This week we welcome Danny Elfman, Micky Flanagan and The Proclaimers to Scotland's new home of live entertainment.

"Of course, we couldn't have done it without the support of our commercial partners, the city and, most importantly, the fans.

"The SSE Hydro has changed the skyline and the live music stage of Glasgow - the rest of the year will be busy and it's not set to slow down."

City taxi drivers have been celebrating the opening of the new Clydeside venue, which can hold up to 13,000 people.

Stephen Flynn, vice chairman of Glasgow Taxis, said: "The SSE Hydro is a fantastic venue for both the people of Glasgow and tourists alike and has proven extremely popular during its opening week.

"Having such an amazing attraction in the city offers plenty of benefits for local businesses and our drivers are certainly being kept busy with all the different events taking place.

"We are delighted to have established an effective working relationship with the venue and have been providing on-the-night taxi marshals to ensure its customers get home as quickly and safely as possible."

l A gas leak at the SECC on Wednesday caused an hour's delay to the start time of the Danny Elfman, Music from the Films of Tim Burton, show at the Hydro.

A spokeswoman for the complex confirmed the evacuation of staff and a spokeswoman from Scotland Gas Networks said the leak had been made safe.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk