What was happening at Brown Thomas Today?

Soby · 17-11-2009 6:56pm #1

*edit*Prob shoulda done a ole google first

Westlife will make a return to the limelight with a bang this evening, when they make a surprise appearance at the Grafton Street Lights up for Christmas ceremony.

The Herald can reveal the foursome will have a rehearsal ahead of their performance at the Cheerio's Childline concert in the O2 tomorrow night, before they switch on the lights in front of hundreds of fans tonight.

Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne are expected to arrive outside exclusive department store Brown Thomas at 6pm to officially turn on this year's lights.

The pop band will be joined by master of ceremonies, TV3 weatherman Martin King, who has guaranteed snowfall at this year's event.

The event marks a significant milestone for band member Nicky Byrne who buried his late father, Nikki Sr (60), just a week and a half ago.

Devastating

The star, who is married to Georgina Ahern, daughter of former Taoiseach Bertie, hopes to ease himself back into work slowly following the devastating loss of his Dad, whom he has described as his best friend.

Nicky's friend and fellow Westlife star, Mark Feehily explained how the singer was determined not to let the rest of the group, or indeed his fans, down and is ready to throw himself into his work by returning to the public realm today.

"He's coping very well and is as good as you can be so soon after your best friend in the world passes away," the Sligo native explained.

"He would say it's what his dad would have wanted."

Today also marked the official launch of Westlife's new perfume line, Westlife X, which was named to symbolise the band's 10 years spent in the pop industry.

The group will join a number of top acts including Taio Cruz, the Saturdays, JLS and Alexandra Burke on stage tomorrow night, which is to be hosted by former Six star, Liam McKenna.

Moira Murphy, marketing director of Brown Thomas, expressed her delight over Louis Walsh's band's participation in today's event.

"Tonight's proceedings will begin with Santa dismounting his pony-drawn sleigh outside Brown Thomas, where he will greet those assembled to celebrate the traditional illumination ceremony," she told the Herald. "We are delighted about Westlife's involvement.

"They are giving up their time to be there in aid of the ISPCC.

"There will be real snow to coincide with the switching on of the lights to make it even more magical," she added