Exclusive by Pam McClounie

Last updated 10:09, Friday, 16 May 2008

BOYZONE – one of the UK’s most successful boy bands – are making a spectacular comeback this summer and headlining Carlisle Live.

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Back together: Chart-toppers Boyzone will mark their reunion with an appearance at Carlisle Live in August. Tickets go on sale next Friday

The Irish band, featuring all five of its original members, will perform at the outdoor concert in Bitts Park on Saturday, August 23 after their UK revival tour Back Again – No Matter What.

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

Boyzone and the other main act will be supported by other performers including The Stobart Factor finalists and a fireworks display.

The concert, which is organised by Andrew Tinkler, chief executive of the Stobart Group, will raise funds for the Richard Rose Academy in Carlisle and CFM Radio’s charity Cash For Kids.

Boyzone burst onto the pop scene in November 1993 and 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 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. 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.