There's a double whammy at the Spitfire Ground in Canterbury this weekend as two big concerts come to town - with three big names.

Olly Murs doesn’t have a huge list of demands for his show in Canterbury this weekend – good company and red M&Ms will do him fine.

“Red’s my favourite colour, so if I have to have any M&Ms I want the red ones,” he said.

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“I just want good company. I know it’s going to be amazing down in Canterbury. Outdoor shows are so much fun and I am looking forward to performing my biggest songs.”

After shooting to fame with The X Factor in 2009, Olly has carved out a career as a singer, performer, presenter and songwriter – he wrote all the songs for his current album, 24 HRS, something he is very proud of.

Of the show which gave him the step up to the big time, he said: “That gave me everything and I’ll never forget that. I’ve always been a big fan of the show.”

The date at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, this Friday, is an appropriate venue for cricket-loving Olly – “I hope we don’t mess up the pitch!” – where he hopes to knock the crowd for six, and also has a bonus, as joining him will be fellow Essex resident and star of The X Factor Louisa Johnson.

The pair have teamed up for the single Unpredictable, taken from his album, and they will be singing together at the show.

Louisa, who has also collaborated with Clean Bandit, also comes fresh from performing in the county last weekend, at Maidstone’s Big Day Out. She said: “I am so excited to be supporting Olly. He is an incredible artist, an absolute inspiration and we both cannot wait to see all the fans in Kent. It’s going to be a brilliant night!”

Olly said: “We’ve got no airs and graces. We just want to have a good time at the gig.

“It is lovely to do Unpredictable with someone you already know. Louisa and I are friends and we are both from Essex so it’s great to do this song together. I’m really thankful she is on the song.

“Louisa’s voice makes you sit up and listen – she has a great stage presence, which is amazing at such a young age, and so many fans.”

And although he is relishing performing his new material, if he had to pick one of his hits as a favourite to perform, it would be Dance With Me Tonight.

“I released that in 2011 or 2012 and it’s one of those songs where everyone gets up and dances to. It’s great to see when everyone is having a good time,” he said.

Olly is riding high after his album was his fourth successive No.1 album, making him the most successful solo artist ever to come from The X Factor.

But as a household name for eight years, does he ever feel the pressure of live shows?

He said: “I do get a bit nervous sometimes but it is nice to feel that about shows.

“It shows you care about what you are doing. I have a bit of a poker face, so you probably can’t tell! You have to be in front of the camera and people in this job, though, and on stage we have a laugh and a joke. That is what I love to do.”

DETAILS

Olly Murs will be at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury, with Louisa Johnson on Friday, July 7.

For tickets, which are all standing, visit ticketmaster.co.uk, lhgtickets.com or kentcricket.co.uk or call 01227 456886. Gates open at 5pm, with the concert ending at 10pm. Parking is available at the nearby Simon Langton Girls Grammar (CT1 3EW) for £10 or at the New Dover Road Park and Ride for £3, or £1 after 4pm.

A SECOND HELPING

Despite being a music legend in his 70s, it’s not unusual to find Tom Jones performing live on stage for thousands of adoring fans.

He wowed the crowds at Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst last summer for a Forest Live! concert and he will be at the Kent Spitfire Ground in St Lawrence, Canterbury, on Saturday, July 8 for his first visit to the city as a performer.

With his distinctive voice he has sold more than 100m records worldwide which has earned him a place as one of the best-loved artists to emerge from the 60s, notching up hits such as Delilah and It’s Not Unusual.

He said: “I am really looking forward to coming to the lovely cathedral city of Canterbury.
“I love doing outdoor shows and being able to perform at the Spitfire Ground is fantastic. It promises to be a great night so I hope everyone comes out to enjoy this show in this beautiful venue.”

He brings with him two young protégés, his The Voice finalists Into the Ark. The Welsh singing duo, Taylor Jones and Dane Lloyd came second on the ITV show and bonded with their mentor during the contest.

Tom will perform a collection of his hits from across the decades, while Into the Ark will be warming up the crowds ahead of his performance.

Seated tickets are available. To book, visit ticketmaster.co.uk, lhgtickets.com or intothearkofficial.com For the accessibility line, call 0800 988 4440.

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