Macca to star in virtual concert for Vera Lynn’s children charity
A STAR- STUDDED anniversary concert with a guest appearance by Sir Paul McCartney will raise vital cash for a children’s charity set up by Dame Vera Lynn.
Next Saturday’s online gig is headlined by Britain’s Got Talent finalists The D- Day Darlings, with support pp from Sir Paul and performances ances by Aled Jones and a “very ery special guest”, yet to be e revealed.
It marks the death of Forces’ Sweetheart Dame Vera, 103, in June and the 20th anniversary of her charity which h helps children with cerebral al palsy and other motor otor learning conditions.
The virtual concert, recorded as a full musical spectacular and filmed as “live”, showcases classic songs, festive treats and many of Dame Vera’s biggest hits.
The D- Day Darlings, who feature on Dame Vera’s posthumous album Keep Smiling Through, will perform to her famous voice one more time, singing White Christmas and other favourites.
Dame Vera’s daughter Virginia Lewis- Jones, vice- president of the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, said: “We would have hoped to be celebrating the successes of my mother’s legacy in person but we have adapted and the show must go on.
“It’s going to be a festive, fun- filled, family show with something for all so I hope everyone will co come and join us online to celebrate our 20th birth birthday and also take a mome moment to remember my mother, th the woman who started it all and who means so much to so many.”
The D- Day Darlings met Dame Vera last year and lead singer Katie Ashby said: “She has always been the inspiration for what we do, keeping those songs and those memories alive, and I think that’s what struck a chord with audiences when we appeared on Britain’s Got Talent a couple of years ago.”
A star- studded memorial service for Dame Vera will take place at Westminster Abbey next summer.
The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity 20th anniversary virtual concert is on December 12 at 5pm. Tickets cost £ 20 with all funds going to support the charity. For full details and to book, visit https:// dvlcc. org. uk/ virtual- concert