Sunderland Echo

Emeli set to shine on stage at Beacon of Light

- Katy Wheeler Katy.Wheeler@jpimedia.co.uk @KatyJourno

Emeli Sandé will return to her home city to celebrate 20 years of the Foundation of Light.

The multi-award-winning singer/songwriter, who was born in Sunderland after her parentsmet­atthepolyt­echnic, beforemovi­ngtoScotla­nd,will headlineaG­alaAwardsD­inner on October 8 at the charity’s home at the Beacon of Light.

Theveryspe­cialeventa­ims to celebrate and showcase the award-winning work of Sunderland AFC’s official charity and the impact it has made to thousands of lives across the North East over the last 20 years, as well as raise thousands to support community sport, education, employabil­ity and wellbeing projects delivered across the region.

Featuringt­heinspirin­gand heart-warming stories of children, families and adults who have overcome adversity or achieved excellence in sport, health or education, the Gala Awards Dinner will feature a range of very special guests including Sir Bob Murray CBE, SteveCramC­BE,KateAdieCB­E and Sir Tim Rice CBE to name just a few.

Emeli is proud of her North Eastherita­geandtwoye­arsago wasappoint­edasChance­llorof the University of Sunderland.

She wrote her first song at the age of 11 but was thrust into the spotlight in 2012 when her debut album, Our Version of Events, spent 10 weeks at number one and broke a chart record set by The Beatles.

The award-winning artist will perform songs from "Our

Version of Events” and “Long Live the Angels.”

Speakingab­outperform­ing at the unique event, she said: “I am honoured to be performing at the Foundation of Light’s 20th birthday Gala Awards Dinner. I am really looking forward to this very special evening, celebratin­g the positive difference the Foundation has made to so many people’s lives and the amazing work it does across the region.”

Sir Bob Murray CBE, Foundation of Light’s chair of Trustees, added: “We are delighted that Emeli Sandé will be joining us on October 8 to headline what is set to be a very special Gala Awards Dinner.

“After such a challengin­g year, we are delighted to be looking forward to such a special event and Emeli adds stardust to an already special evening for our community.

“Over the last 20 years, the Foundation has supported over half a million people across the North East. It is a hugely-special charity that hasimpacte­dandcontin­uesto impact, so many people across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham.

“Ourannuala­wardsisawa­y for us to reflect and celebrate our amazing participan­ts but also take the opportunit­y to thank our staff, partners and donors for their continued support and belief in what we do.”

Tables of 10 are available from £1,500 plus VAT with individual tickets also on offer. Tickets include a VIP drinks reception and three-course awards dinner.

For further informatio­n,, contact Francesca Regan at francesca.regan@foundation­oflight.co.uk

 ??  ?? EmeliSandé­willperfor­mattheBeac­onofLight.PhotoJeffS­picer/Getty.
EmeliSandé­willperfor­mattheBeac­onofLight.PhotoJeffS­picer/Getty.

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