Former X Factor contestant Jonjo Kerr is performing in Bradford tomorrow.
Mentored by Louis Walsh on the ITV talent show in 2011 - the year girl band Little Mix clinched the X Factor crown - Jonjo and his band will play a selection of crowdpleasers at a mini festival hosted by Forsters Bistro and Deli in Centenary Square.
While he tends to perform covers, the 30-year-old is currently writing an album as he pursues his musical career since leaving the Army in August.
After appearing on X Factor, Jonjo spent seven months in Afghanistan on Army duty and has collaborated with the Military Wives on In My Dreams, a song he performed with them at last year’s Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
“When we were on the show we got to work with some amazing people,” says Jonjo, referring to Grammy award-winning Eliott Kennedy, a Yorkshire songwriter and record producer who has worked with artists including Lulu, The Wanted, the Spice Girls and Bryan Adams.
“It was phenomenal to work with him,” Jonjo adds.
He looks back on his X Factor experience with affection, particularly through the friends he has made.
He still keeps in touch with fellow contestant Marcus Collins. It was friendship which led to Jonjo performing his first Bradford gig.
During his four-year Army career with the Third Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, he met fellow soldier Michael Philpott, brother of Marc Philpott, general manager of Forster’s Bistro and Deli. When Marc asked Jonjo to perform at the festival he was happy to help.
“I’m really looking forward to it because I have a few friends in Bradford and the Bistro looks amazing,” says Jonjo.
Revellers are invited to turn up in their wellies to soap up the festival atmosphere, usually reserved for summer months.
They can also look forward to Champagne and burger bars.
Marc says the size of the venue and its quirkiness - features include Astroturf and a garden shed - means it is pitched perfectly for a ‘festival’.
Jonjo will be at Forsters Bistro and Deli in Centenary Square tomorrow from 7pm. For tickets call (01274) 739788 or email bookings@forster.ac.uk.
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