Top tenor Russell Watson will launch the 2021 Hale Barns Carnival next month when he headlines an unmissable evening of Proms favourites.
The Salford-born superstar singer will take centre stage on Friday 16 July at the start of the three-day festival which returns bigger and better than ever after being postponed last year.
The 54-year-old former bolt cutter, who started singing in working men’s clubs in his spare time, is the UK’s best-selling classical artist. This year marks the 21st anniversary of his debut solo album The Voice reaching the number one chart spot – a position it held for a world record 52 weeks, catapulting the singer into the international spotlight.
He will be joined at Hale Barns by his band to perform a specially curated set full of Proms classics, including stirring anthems like Jerusalem and Rule Britannia, and Puccini’s aria Nessun Dorma.
And the man dubbed ‘The Voice’ and ‘The People’s Tenor’ says he can’t wait to return to live performing and entertain Hale Barns audiences – while raising vital funds for charity at the same time.
“When I get on stage at Hale Barns it will be my first live concert for 18 months. It’s going to be an emotional experience, both for me and for the musicians performing with me. I used to live not far away, in Plane Tree Road in Hale, so it’s a really nice place to start performing again.
“When lockdown started last spring, I gave my voice a complete rest for five or six months, and as a result it’s soaring and feeling really fluid.
“Now I can’t wait to get back on stage and entertain people again. I’ll be performing Proms favourites along with a selection of the repertoire that I’ve recorded over the last 20 years.” said Watson.
Alongside Russell Watson, other headline live acts across the three days include disco legends Boney M – featuring Maizie Williams, 80s favourites Katrina and the Waves and 5 Star featuring Denise Pearson.
The festival will also feature a preview party concert at the Garrick Playhouse in Altrincham on Saturday 3 July featuring Odyssey along with special guest, Mama Used to Say singer Junior Giscombe.
The Friday night concert will support The Seashell Trust, with all profits from the evening being donated to the Cheshire charity which helps young people with complex needs and communication challenges.
The Hale Barns Carnival runs from Friday 16 July until Sunday 18 July 2021.
Tickets for the concert are on sale now.
In addition to the concert there will be a two-day free Hale Barns Carnival family event on the weekend of 17 and 18 July with entry from 12 noon until 5pm. The daytime programme will feature attractions including local performances and live music, a craft activity tent, traditional fun fair rides, a makers’ market, food village and bars.
The carnival weekend will be staged with measures in place, including more space and hand sanitizer stations, to ensure a relaxed and safe event for all the family.
Tickets are now available.
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