James Blunt booked for big date at Hoghton Tower

SINGER songwriter James Blunt will be performing at this year’s St Catherine’s Hospice Symphony at the Tower it was revealed today.
James Blunt, who will be performing at St Catherine's Hospice Symphony at the TowerJames Blunt, who will be performing at St Catherine's Hospice Symphony at the Tower
James Blunt, who will be performing at St Catherine's Hospice Symphony at the Tower

The multi-award winning singer and international superstar Katherine Jenkins are the two crowd pulling acts confirmed for the July weekend fundraiser in aid St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall near Preston.

James Blunt, who shot to fame in 2005 with number one hit You’re Beautiful, will take to the stage on Friday July 4 followed by classical crossover artist Katherine Jenkins OBE on Saturday July 5.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The annual St Catherine’s Hospice Symphony at the Tower event featured two nights of entertainment for the first time last year and it was such a success, hospice bosses are hoping this year will once again be a winning format.

James Blunt will perform tracks from across his career including his latest album Moon Landing which features recent number two hit Bonfire Heart.

Multi-platinum selling mezzo-soprano Katherine, whose varied repertoire covers everything from pop covers to operatic arias, is one of the world’s most successful classical artists, responsible for making the genre more accessible around the globe.

St Catherine’s Hospice is again working with promoters Cuffe and Taylor to host the two-day event in the surroundings of Hoghton Tower.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lorraine Charlesworth, director of income generation at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “We are more excited than ever about this year’s Symphony event which this year marks its 19th anniversary.

“The first pop night with The Human League and The Christians was fantastic fun last year and we’re sure James Blunt and Katherine Jenkins will pull out all the stops to ensure another brilliant weekend of music and entertainment in a fabulous spot.

“We welcomed lots of new faces to the Symphony last year and we want to build on that again this year. We hope the star status of these amazing artists will open up the event to more people, raise more money to support the work of St Catherine’s and give our wonderful supporters – many of who have attended the Symphony since the beginning – a real night to remember.”

James Blunt, who has sold nearly 17m albums and 20m singles worldwide, said: “I’m really looking forward to performing tracks from my latest album at the Hoghton Tower gig in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice this summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I love being out on the road and playing in new places so it will be fantastic to perform for the first time in the Preston area against the backdrop of the Lancashire countryside.

“As well as hits from Moon Landing, people can expect all the old favourites as well as a few surprises in what’s bound to be an amazing night - all in aid of a wonderful local charity.”

Katherine Jenkins, who will be supported by regular collaborator Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra, said: “I’m looking forward to my summer concerts in Lancashire, Swansea and Cheshire.

“There’s not a more perfect way to spend a summer’s evening than outside with family, friends and music. It will be such a treat to perform in these unique spaces and I look forward to connecting with my fans in these areas.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Peter Taylor, director at Cuffe and Taylor, said: “James Blunt and Katherine Jenkins are global superstars and we are delighted they are coming to perform at Hoghton Tower and help raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice which is such a worthwhile cause.

“There is sure to be great demand for tickets and it promises to be a spectacular event in spectacular surroundings.”

Last year people flocked to Hoghton Tower over the Symphony weekend for The Human League with support from The Christians on the Friday and the following night Aled Jones presented a night of classical music from the Heart of England Philharmonic Orchestra, with performances from Sophie Evans star of the BBC’s Over the Rainbow.

Tickets for both concerts are available at: www.stcatherines.co.uk or can be bought from the hospice in Lostock Hall from Tuesday March 4. Call 01772 629171.