City prepares for pop superstar

Joined over the weekend by US blues and rock legend Joe Bonamassa, 2002 Pop Idol winner Will Young will take to the stage at St Catherine’s Hospice’s Symphony at the Tower. The annual fundraiser, taking place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, at Hoghton Tower near Preston, will see thousands entertained by the world class music stars together with local choirs and solo singers. Will Young will perform on the Friday, Bonamassa on the Saturday and the weekend will be rounded off by Symphony Spectacular – a classical proms-style concert for all the family to enjoy, featuring a live orchestra, singers, picnics, family fun and fireworks on Sunday. Sunday afternoon will also see finalists from the Symphony Idols contest, who were voted for by the public, take to the stage to show off their skills, including Anchorsholme Academy, Community Voice Choir, Preston Musical Comedy Show Choir, North West Ambulance Service, and Houghton In Harmony. Lorraine Charlesworth, director of community and income at the Lostock Hall hospice, said: “We’re really looking forward to some great live performances at this weekend’s Symphony at the Tower event – which for the first time is being extended to cover three nights due to popular demand! “We’ve always received fantastic support from the public, and the Symphony Idols competition was a new way of inviting the community to get even more involved in our popular flagship fundraiser. “We were so overwhelmed by the number of quality auditions that we’ve decided to open the gates earlier than originally planned on the Sunday, at 3pm, so we can fit in more local choirs and solo acts to take to the stage and really give visitors a show to remember! Tickets for Will Young, Joe Bonamassa and Symphony Spectacular can be bought on the gates or in advance from www.symphonyatthetower.co.uk They can also be bought from the hospice on Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall or by calling 01772 629171.