Former choristers join Katherine Jenkins on tour

Jul 25 2008 by Rebecca Edwards, Flintshire Chronicle

Many people curse the influence of social networking site Facebook on the younger generations, but for classical ‘boy band’ Blake it was the start of something huge.

The four former choristers head for Nantwich next weekend as support for Katherine Jenkins at the Picnic In The Park spectacular on the Nantwich Show site at Dorfold Hall Park.

Current pop kings and queens McFly and Girls Aloud headline two more gigs over the weekend in what is arguably the biggest music event the town has ever seen.

The visit is part of a UK tour for Jenkins and the boys, named after poet William Blake, but member Dom Tighe says the whole thing is still a bit of a dream.

He says: “It was sort of by accident that we formed. Facebook is part of our everyday lives and it’s now the natural way of getting in contact with people, and that’s how it happened.

“Ollie and Jules came up with the idea to put a group together so we could earn a bit of money singing at weddings or funerals or whatever. Jules had seen me in a play and went on Facebook to send me a message.

“It was just the most obvious way of meeting each other. It was only 48 hours after meeting each other we got offered a record deal.

“You have to take a moment and take a step back. I would have laughed if you had said to me a year ago that I would pick up an award or be singing at Wembley.”

But within a year, that is exactly what has happened. A bidding war ensued, with record label Universal Music triumphant in a £1m deal.

Their self-titled debut album scooped the Classical Album of the Year award at the Classical Brits – only the second time a debut album has won – and they were invited on tour personally by Welsh darling Jenkins.

Dom adds: “We are touring the UK over the summer doing big open air concerts. They’re great fun. We do all our bits with Katherine and there is a Prom bit at the end. It’s typical British fare. People have left with a spring in their step. We’re really honoured that Katherine asked us to come on tour with her.”

Blake appear with Katherine Jenkins at the Picnic In The Park on Friday, August 1. Tickets are priced £32-£77.50, phone Ticketline on 0871 424 4444, SeeTickets on 0870 2200 260, The Crown Hotel in Nantwich on 01270 625283, Nantwich Tourist Information on 01270 537359 or visit www.nantwichinthepark.com.

McFly are at Dorfold Hall Park on August 2, and Girls Aloud on August 3.