GLASGOW’S economy was boosted by more than £1 million per day thanks to big-name shows and industry events.

The SEC and SSE Hydro generated a total of £400m worth of spending for the Glasgow area throughout 2017/2018.

Around 900,000 visitors were recorded at the Hydro, which has been recognised as one of the best arenas in the world.

Performances by Celine Dion, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran helped boost ticket sales while sporting events including Andy Murray Live, boxing and WWE Wrestling attracted audiences from across the country.

Nine international conferences were held during the year as well as the seventh successful year of pantomime.

Bosses said their annual profit turnover has increased by 19 per cent to £1.3 million between 2017 to 2018 and have predicted even bigger things for next year.

A three-week run of acclaimed theatre production War Horse and demand for future events including Justin Timberlake, Paul Simon and a multi-night run by Kevin Bridges, have already fuelled forward ticket sales.

The addition of two new hotels is expected to further boost figures following their opening in 2019.

The developments will bring the number of hotel rooms around the campus from 950 to almost 1,400 and have been described as ‘invaluable’ in supporting the growing conference and exhibition centre.

Bosses have submitted a planning application to further expand the events campus.

Peter Duthie, Chief Executive, SEC commented: “This has been a really encouraging year with solid performances across all the sectors in which we operate.

“The SEC continues to be an economic driver for Glasgow and Scotland and the results are measured not only in financial terms but also by the economic impact of the campus which generated net additional expenditure of over £1m per day in the Glasgow area, a total of £400m for the year.

“In line with this, a key focus will be to secure funding for our expansion project which will be of significant benefit to the Glasgow, Scottish and UK economies. The development plans fit with the objectives of Glasgow City Council, as major shareholder, to ensure additional economic benefit across the city in terms of spend on hotels, restaurants, retail, and the related employment creation.”