By Pam McClounie

Last updated 09:36, Saturday, 17 May 2008

TICKETS for Boyzone’s summer gig in Carlisle will go on sale on Friday.

Tickets to see Boyzone perform in Carlisle in August go on sale on Friday

The Irish band, who are making a comeback with a UK-wide tour, will be the headline act for the Carlisle Live concert in Bitts Park on August 23.

The event, which will raise funds for the Richard Rose Central Academy and CFM Radio’s charity Cash For Kids, will be held over two days.

It is being organised by Andrew Tinkler, chief executive of the Stobart Group.

A second top pop act, who will perform on Sunday, August 24, will be announced next week.

There will be fireworks, other star performers and the final of The Stobart Factor talent contest.

Boyzone formed in 1993 after X-Factor judge Louis Walsh put out an advert for auditions to form a vocal group.

Their first performance was on Ireland’s top-rated Late Late Show dancing to a backing track.

Boyzone enjoyed fame and fortune in the British and Irish pop charts, boasting four number one albums and 16 top 10 singles until they split in 2000.

They have since reformed and begin their UK tour, the first for seven years, later this month.

Now it’s a return to the spotlight for Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Stephen Gately reviving classic hits such as Love Me For A Reason, No Matter What and So Good.

Boyzone’s Ronan Keating said: “I can’t wait to be back on the road and all the guys feel the same.

“Our live shows were always great fun but this time it will definitely be the best day out ever.”

Mr Tinkler said: “It is my aim to create a uniquely special family event offering top class music and entertainment for the people of Cumbria.

“For 2008 we have raised the bar even further, bringing to Carlisle some of the best pop music acts the world has to offer and this year we are hosting it over two days.”

Tickets go on sale next Friday at 9am and will be available from the Sands Centre in Carlisle, from the Ticketline box office and the Carlisle Live website at www.carlislelive.co.uk. The website launches on Sunday, June 1.

Details of prices will be announced next week.

PMcClounie@cngroup.co.uk