HE IMPRESSED Sir Tom Jones making his final eight in this year’s series of The Voice UK – and now Karl Loxley is bringing his talents back to his roots – performing an open air charity concert at the Bandstand in Stratford.
It’s happening on Sunday, June 21st, between 2pm and 4pm on the Recreation Ground.
Concerts at the Bandstand – owned by Stratford Town Trust – are free to enjoy but this one will be raising money for the Stratford Cancer & Eye Hospital Appeal through a collection.
Bring a picnic and relax by the river listening to a voice which beat off competition from 48,000 others.
Karl is a classical tenor. He will be performing a huge range of songs from Bring Him Home to Nessun Dorma – with a Tom Jones number thrown in as well.
And it won’t be his first time taking to the Bandstand stage.
Hailing from Balsall Common, Karl has been a regular performer in Stratford, building up a big fan base through his busking days.
“The people of Stratford have given me so much support. There have been times where it felt like all of my hard work wasn’t paying off – but performing in Stratford and getting the feedback I did really inspired me and keep me following my dream.
“That’s why I want to support the hospital appeal, to give something back and to say thank you. Last year I was given the opportunity to sing at the Bandstand during the River Festival and the experience was incredible. I can’t wait to be back.”
The £1 million hospital appeal was launched in 2015; aiming to fund everything from specialist chemotherapy chairs to iPads that do not come as standard in the new £22 million Stratford Hospital.
The appeal total so far stands at £428,000.
Stratford Town Trust has pledged £100,000 in funding, which will be awarded as a grant as long as the Appeal reaches at least £500k in 2016.
Helen Munro, Chief Executive of Stratford Town Trust, said: “The new hospital will be of huge benefit to the community in Stratford-upon-Avon which we are here to support.
“We were delighted to announce our £100,000 pledge earlier this year but are also delighted to offer help in this entirely different way, providing the Bandstand for what promises to be a wonderful afternoon of entertainment, fundraising for such a worthy cause along the way.”
Ali Gray, Fundraising Manager for the hospital appeal, added: “I have been fortunate enough to hear Karl in concert recently and he was fantastic.
“I am delighted he is coming back to Stratford where he has fond memories of starting his career – and so grateful he is choosing to sing in aid of Stratford Hospital Fundraising Appeal.
“I urge the town to bring a picnic and enjoy listening to him on what will be a relaxing Sunday afternoon.”
Building work on the new hospital started in December and the project is due to be finished early 2017. Anyone wanting to fundraise for the new hospital can email [email protected] or call 01926 495321 extension 8049. Further details at www.stratfordhospital.co.uk
For more information on future concerts at the Bandstand – with free performances on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer – go to www.stratfordtowntrust.co.uk.
