A SINGING sensation from Ayrshire is set to perform at two charity concerts.

Nicola Cassells, from Ayr, will perform at the Gaiety Theatre on Friday night as part of a Variety Showcase to help raise funds for the historic seaside theatre's refurbishment.

The 24-year-old will also be singing at the Go-Rock festival in Gourock on Saturday, April 12, in aid of the Nordoff Robbins Tartan Clef charity, of which she is an enthusiastic supporter.

Nicola said: "The Gaiety Spring Variety concert is an event I've really been looking forward to performing at.

"The theatre is where I first performed as a child and it has such an amazing atmosphere.

"In a way it feels like home.

"I grew up performing in the Gaiety, it holds a special place in my heart.

"I am delighted to have been asked along to take part."

Nicola has previously performed at the Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year awards and has been mentored by chart-topping Scots musician Sandi Thom.

The classical singer is looking forward to getting on stage in Gourock and in Ayr, where she will perform songs including Time To Say Goodbye, which was a global hit for Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and English soprano Sarah Brightman.

Funds raised from the event will go towards Tartan Clef, a charity which helps vulnerable people and those with disabilities across Scotland by providing them with music therapy.

Nicola said: "Every day Nordoff Robbins are making a difference through musical therapy sessions.

"It's great to be able to do what I love the most and be able to help raise money for this wonderful charity at the same time."

Also performing at the Spring Variety Showcase will be The Ayr Amateur Opera Company, the Jennie Campbell School of Dancing, madrigals from Cantanti, Gilbert & Sullivan patter songs from Michael St. John, calypso from Ayr Academy Samba Band, plus Hipshot Youth Theatre, singing a song from their forthcoming show, Bugsy Malone.

Tickets for Nicola's performance in Ayr are available online at www.ayrgaiety.co.uk at £10 and £12.

The show starts at 7.30pm.

For tickets to her show in Gourock, log on to www.go-rock-fest.com

A wristband for the festival costs £7.

hannah.rodger@ eveningtimes.co.uk