Camping out in car parks is an important part of the pre-concert experience for Cliff Richard's band of die-hard fans.

The chart-topping pensioner has just announced that he will perform at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena on November 16 and November 17, 2006.

But when tickets go on sale on October 30, it will be every woman for herself as Cliff's devotees have been banned from camping in the NIA's multi-storey car park.

Venue bosses claim the "Bachelor Boy's" hardy fans could pose a healthand-safety risk as the NIA will be packed with families watching Disney on Ice, which begins its ten-day run on October 26.

An NEC Group spokeswoman said: " Historically, we are used to Cliff's army of fans camping in the car park during the spring as they wait for his tennis tournament tickets to go on sale.

"But at that time of year we're normally very quiet, so having tents instead of cars in the multi-storey isn't really an issue.

"Disney on Ice is traditionally staged at the NIA during half-term week, so there are health and safety issues to consider, and we couldn't guarantee their safety at that time.

"We are expecting a lot of people to turn up very early on October 30 to get their place in the queue."

The 15- date tour, which begins at Wembley Arena on November 7, 2006, was announced on the singer ' s 65 th birthday.

Sir Cliff said: "Bus pass, pipe and slippers? Don't you believe it.

"The buzz I get from performing to a live audience is just as real and exciting as ever it was - and hopefully I've a few years left in me yet."

* Ticket booking opens at 10am on October 30 and tickets can be purchased via the ticket hotline on 08700 11 13 12 or by visiting www.cliffrichard.org/hereandnow