People’s Tenor set for Proms

Now People’s Tenor Russell Watson is set to grace the Lytham Proms stage as he headlines next year’s massive festival.

Russell is the first act to be announced for the 2013 event, and organiser Peter Taylor described the popular singer as “the perfect choice”.

Peter, of Cuffe and Taylor Event Management, told The Gazette: “It’s really a big coup for us.

“We’ve been looking at him for a number of years but his diary has never been right.

“He has sold more albums than any other classical crossover star in the UK so he really is at the top of his game.

“He’s the perfect choice because he’s a Manchester lad, so he’s from the North West, and this will be the first date of his tour too.

“He is the Original Voice and I think he’ll be the perfect choice.”

In 2001, Russell’s debut album The Voice topped the UK Classical charts for a record 52 weeks, and also reached Number Five in the UK Pop Charts.

He will take to the stage with a 32 piece orchestra for his performance, which will take place on Saturday August 3 next year.

The stars who performed at this year’s Proms included pop sensation Olly Murs, and Fleetwood’s own classical crossover artist Alfie Boe.

Peter added: “Alfie really pushed the boundaries this year.

“We felt we wanted to go back to a more classical ethos.

“We’re expecting it to be very popular this year and think there will be a big demand for tickets.”

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am and are available from Ticketline on 0844 888 9991 or online www.lythamproms.co.uk

Prices are as follows for guests wishing to bring their own picnics and seating: For the first week only tickets will be £32.50 inclusive of the booking fee.

Then, until December 31, tickets are £35. After that, and up to May 14, they will be £37.50 and from May 15 £40.00. From July 27 until the concert tickets are £50.