X Factor stars rock Castle Howard (From Gazette & Herald)

X Factor stars rock Castle Howard

9:24am Tuesday 16th August 2011 in News By Karen Darley

WITH the new season of The X Factor about to hit our screens this weekend, two of its most successful graduates wowed the crowds at Castle Howard on Sunday.

Sharing the bill were Alexandra Burke, the 2008 winner, and Olly Murrs, who finished second the following year and, judging from the number of trilby wearing fans around, it was clear who the majority were there to see.

After what has been a miserable summer the clouds cleared to leave a beautiful evening, which further enhanced the concert setting overlooking the lake.

Local band The Likely Lads kicked off proceedings followed by other up-and- coming acts SixD, Chelcee Grimes and Twenty Twenty. But as the sun set the screaming grew distinctively louder, in anticipation of the show’s main stars.

First on the stage was Alexandra, who, despite insisting she was in York, belted out a strong set including her singles, Broken Heels and an emotional Hallelujah.

With the crowd behind her she promised “I ain’t going nowhere yet”, and barely pausing for breath she took fans through an energetic hour, finishing with the ever popular Bad Boys.

But it was Olly the majority were there to see, and from the moment he bounced on to the stage with his cheeky chappy image, the Essex lad had Castle Howard in his hands.

“I love Yorkshire girls” he told the screaming fans as he bounced around the stage, performing songs from his first album as well as a number of popular covers and a Stevie Wonder medley.

From toddlers to grandparents, the Castle Howard crowd were on their feet – Olly may not have won the X Factor but he certainly knows how to put on a show. With a new single out next week, the promise of a live tour next year and a presenting role on The Xtra Factor, the trilby-wearing brigade have plenty to keep them happy this summer.