Published: Saturday, 10th May, 2008 09:00
The name's Westenra...
Comments (0)
Print Article
... Hayley Westenra. The acclaimed singer is one of the stars of the James Bond-themed Army charity extravaganza, Music on Fire. REBECCA JOHNSON was at the launch.
AN EXTRAVAGANZA of music and fireworks will be for your eyes only when it’s held with a licence to thrill at a college for officers training for Her Majesty’s Service.
Billed as the UK’s most stunning outdoor spectacular, Music On Fire runs over three nights culminating a thrilling continuous firework display and magical Son et Lumiere against the backdroom of the Old College at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst.
This year there will be a James Bond theme to the show.
Acclaimed singer Hayley Westenra will join other stars from the world of popular and classical music to perform alongside a 100-piece military orchestra and 100-voice choir.
A New Zealand native, Hayley has performed alongside Andrea Bocelli, Jose Carreras and Bryn Terfel and sung to audiences including The Queen and fans at Sydney Opera House.
Music on Fire, hosted by The Army Benevolent Fund, will be a star studdied event with narrations provided by the likes of Rowan Atkinson, Joanna Lumley, Prunella Scales, Timothy West, Peter Bowles, Hannah Gordon, Edward Woodward and Sir Trevor MacDonald.
Hayley said: “I’m really looking forward to the big event. I was thrilled to be invited along to this prestigious event.
“I believe this year is going to be even bigger and more impressive.”
To announce the details of the show, Hayley joined organisers from the Army Benevolent Fund and Sandhurst to see a Black Knight parachute Bond-style on to the grounds where the spectacle will take place. To add to the 007 theme an black Aston Martin was parked in the fore-court.
Hayley added: “I’m also very pleased with the bond theme as this is a perfect excuse for glamour on the night, and I like glamour.”
The Army Benevolent Fund is the British Army’s main charity raising money for soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need.
Hayley said: “The money raised is going to the soldiers involved in the current operations in Afghanistan and Iraw and that’s fantastic.”
This year’s Music on Fire is produced by Major Sir Michael Parker who was also the brains behind The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and Silver Jubilee celebrations outside Buckingham Palace.
He said: “Music on fire is an excuse for people to come along and enjoy themselves.
“In my planning it was pointed out to me that it was the centenary of Ian Fleming and he was here in these buildings at Sandhurst. So we thought On Her Majesty’s service and here the people we are talking about have all been OHMS. Without their courage and sacrifice we wouldn’t be where standing where we are at the moment.”
Music on Fire will be at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on September 18, 19 and 20.
Tickets cost from £21 - £39 with discounts for members of the Army.
For more information visit www.musiconfire.com or call Ticketmaster: 0844 847 1657 or Seetickets: 0871 297 0077.
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
Cinema Film Releases: Friday 4th July.