CHART-TOPPERS JLS will perform one of their last ever gigs before parting company in Belfast – with a County Armagh band lined up as support act!
Portadown-based Microlip – formed five years ago – will back the boys as they prepare to go their separate ways following a charity show at the Titanic Slipways in August.
The concert – confirmed today (Thursday) – will be one of JLS’ last high profile gigs before they officially split next year. It takes place on August 2 in Belfast.
It is being staged as part of the celebrations surrounding Northern Ireland’s hosting of the World Police and Fire Games and will raise money for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, one of the official charity partners of the Games.
Speaking about the event, JLS – in a statement – told Armagh I: “As a band we have always been very vocal about our support for children and young people who find themselves in difficult circumstances, which is why we are so excited to perform in Belfast as part of Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children’s charity concert.
“What makes this concert even more special is the opportunity to perform during the 2013 World Police and Fire Games – we were blown away to find out it’s the third largest multi-sport event in the world.
“We can’t wait to play to competitors from all over the world and, of course, our amazing Northern Ireland fans, at such an iconic location, in what will be one of our last years together as a band.”
Microlip are also thrilled to be given the opportunity to perform on the same stage.
It was in 2008 that the Portadown boys – ordinary working lads – came together as a band. And it has been a whirlwind ride for the foursome – Jaime McDonald, James Wilson, John Mulholland and Mick Carvill.
In their career to date, Microlip have already appeared alongside the likes of The Script, The Feeling, Ed Sheeran and Imelda May.
And they also recently made their big screen debut in ‘Keith Lemon – The Movie’ – playing alongside the legendary Billy Ocean!
Money raised from the Belfast show – which will also feature Dublin’s Key West – will go towards a new £3m therapeutic short break centre which the NI Cancer Fund for Children is set to open next spring at Newcastle in County Down.
In addition to the concert, Marvin, JB, Oritsé and Aston will make the time to meet and greet local children and young adults living with cancer at a special workshop.
Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children CEO, Gillian Creevy, said: “Our charity offers vital practical and emotional support to local children and young people living with cancer and their families.
“We are delighted to be benefitting from such a high profile concert and welcome the band’s interest in meeting and working with local children and teenagers affected by cancer.”
Tickets for the concert are on sale now, from usual outlets, and are priced at £19.50.
