Olly Murs brings X factor to Castle’s starry line-up

FOUR years ago Olly Murs was just another unknown wannabe whose biggest claim to fame was an appearance on Deal Or No Deal.

Now, one of the biggest names in pop, he is setting his sights on the Capital.

This summer, Murs will bring a touch of The X Factor to Edinburgh Castle when he headlines the second of this year’s Castle Concerts – just days after Noel Gallagher takes to the stage.

The 27-year-old Essex boy will join the ever-growing roster of stars who have performed at the historic venue over the years.

Announcing the gig, which will take place on Friday, July 20, Murs told the Evening News: “I am really looking forward to playing Edinburgh Castle. What an incredible setting for a gig.

“Whenever I come up to Scotland, I am always met with a warm welcome. My Scottish fans are brilliant. Definitely come along as I’m planning on putting on a great show with my band.”

Mark Mackie, of Castle Concerts, added: “We are delighted to play host to one of the hottest new stars of the British music scene, whose most recent album was one of the biggest sellers of 2011.

“This will be a great chance for his Capital fans to finally see him live in such a sensational setting.”

Although Murs was the runner-up on the sixth series of The X Factor, he got his big break in August 2010 when his first solo single, Please Don’t Let Me Go, debuted at number one in the UK singles chart.

Three months later, his self-titled debut album entered the albums chart at number two, selling more than 108,000 albums in a week.

That album went double platinum and his second album, In Case You Didn’t Know – released last year – is still riding high in the charts, having given him the number one singles Heart Skips A Beat and Dance With Me Tonight.

The singer will appear on the world-famous Castle Esplanade just days after Oasis star Noel Gallagher, who brings his High Flying Birds there on Tuesday, July 17.

That gig has already sold out the 8500-capacity venue and organisers are hoping for a repeat for Murs.

Nick Finnigan, executive manager for Edinburgh Castle, said: “It’s great news that Olly Murs is appearing in concert at Edinburgh Castle.

“It will give a new, younger audience the opportunity to enjoy a concert in the unique, atmospheric setting of Edinburgh Castle.”

Previous names to have played the Castle over the last 16 years include Leonard Cohen, Blondie, Pink, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart, Girls Aloud, James Taylor, Tom Jones, Ricky Gervais, Il Divo, Elton John and The Proclaimers. Last year marked the launch of the newly revamped £16 million Edinburgh Castle arena, with sold-out shows from Arcade Fire and Bryan Ferry.

• Tickets for the Olly Murs concert cost £35-£37.50 and go on sale on Friday (www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.regularmusic.com).