and Diana, Princess of Wales were greeted by a large crowd on the Common during a visit to Halifax. In 1984, 80,000 faithful attended a service by Pope John Paul II at the Common. 2006 The Rolling Stones played on the Common as part of their A Bigger Bang Tour. It was the largest concert the city has ever undertaken at the time, and a test-run for more concerts in the future. With an attendance of approx 55,000, the event was considered a success. 2009 June/July 2009: In preparation for the upcoming events season on the Common, the City of Halifax invested a great amount of effort and money into preparing the Common for the concerts and future events. Ground preparation, amenities, grass seeding were all part of the effort to cut down on damaging effects from heavy equipment and foot traffic during the large events. July 11, a performance by Paul McCartney drew a reported crowd of 50,000 to the Common. 2010 Grand Chief Membertou is a 4-day event held to celebrate the life and inspiration of Mi'kmaq saqamaw Henri Membertou. Queen Elizabeth II's Royal visit to Canada began in Halifax and during her first afternoon in the city had stopped at the Common to experience and take part in the Membertou 400 celebration. Halifax Rocks 2010 was originally to be a 2-day music festival held on the Common, however due to reasons not released by the concert promoter, the Friday concert, featuring Kid Rock and Counting Crows had been cancelled. However The Jimmy Swift Band and The Stanfields were added to the Saturday bill. See also Halifax Armoury Parks in Halifax, Nova Scotia References External links Friends of the Halifax Common Parks in Halifax, Nova Scotia