Following record ticket sales, snooker’s UK Championship will be staged at the York Barbican for the next two years.

In 2011 the williamhill.com UK Championship was held at York Barbican for the first time since 2006 and proved a resounding success. A new deal between World Snooker and SMG Europe means that the £625,000 tournament will be held there until at least 2013.

Next season’s event will run from 1 to 9 December, 2012. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW – for details call 0844 854 2757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

And until May 31 we are running a HALF PRICE OFFER on tickets from Monday to Thursday.

Last year’s tournament was a classic, culminating in a superb final which saw new sensation Judd Trump beat Mark Allen 10-8.

Trump said: “I’m really pleased that the UK Championship is going back to York. I thought the atmosphere there last year was amazing and it helped inspire me to win the title. There are a lot of snooker fans in and around York and I’m sure they’ll be back this year to support the best players.”

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn added: “Our decision to take the UK Championship back to York last season was inspired. There is a huge amount of enthusiasm for snooker in York and the surrounding area and the top players love the Barbican. We’re delighted to sign this deal for the next two years and looking forward to December.”

James Allen of SMG Europe, who manage and operate the venue, said: “We’re delighted the UK Championship is returning to the York Barbican following last December’s successful homecoming.

“After an absence of five years from the city, the support shown by the people of York has been nothing short of exceptional, as witnessed by last year’s recording breaking ticket sales.

“We are now building on the success of our partnership with World Snooker to position the York UK Championship as one of the highlights on the national sporting calendar for 2012 and beyond.”

Betfred.com World Championship Qualifiers

5-15 April, English Institute of Sport,

Book Now: 0114 256 5567 or visit https://www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

Betfred.com World Snooker Championship

21 April - 7 May, The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

Book Now: 0844 6565 147 or visit https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldsnooker1 and https://www.facebook.com/worldsnookerQschool

Twitter: @worldsnooker1

Web: https://www.worldsnooker.com