The Britain's Got Talent winner is supporting a carol concert in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The 27-year-old will appear at Glasgow Cathedral to sing some festive favourites for the Glasgow Christmas Carol Concert.

Along with a host of other musical entertainment, Jai will be helping raise cash for the cancer charity.

He said: "I have had family members who have had cancer - my gran died of the illness - but I also know people who have had breast cancer and they are still alive and that's because of the type of research being done by Cancer Research UK.

"Thanks to the research they are doing, more and more people are surviving cancer but they can only do that thanks to fundraising, which is why I'm happy to support the charity."

The event, on December 12, will also feature musical entertainment by Karen Matheson of Capercaillie and be hosted by broadcaster and comedian Fred MacAulay.

The audience can also look forward to performances by The High School of Glasgow's Junior Choir, musicians from McOpera - the orchestra of Scottish Opera - and the Dance School of Scotland at Knightswood.

Also singing will be the Erskine Stewart's Melville School Choir and, performing before the concert, members of the ScottishPower Pipe Band.

Jai, from Tarbolton, Ayrshire, added: "As soon as I heard it was in Glasgow Cathedral I was even more determined to be involved.

"There's something special about playing in a venue like that, that you don't get anywhere else

"I'm not religious but it's definitely a spiritual experience."

Jai is still to finalise his set for the December gig but he's polishing up a couple of Christmas classics - and could also perform new single Fall Back Down.

He said: "I do love Christmas. There's something magical about the time of year - though I'm having the whole family to mine on Christmas Day so it will be manic for me.

"This kind of concert is all part of what Christmas is about."

Last year, Cancer Research UK spent more than £24million in Glasgow on some of the UK's leading scientific and clinical research.

Organised by a dedicated committee led since 1999, the concert in Glasgow Cathedral has raised more than £300,000.

Concert organiser and former Lady Provost Sheena Duncan said: "The Glasgow Christmas Carol concert is a wonderful way for the family to kick off the festive season.

"And as the money raised goes towards life saving research,

those attending can know

that they have given a truly special Christmas gift by attending."

THE event takes place on Thursday, December 12 at 6.15pm.

To buy tickets, contact Rowan Main on 07918 034 938 or rowan.main@cancer.org.uk

Tickets cost £40 and include performances, programme and reception.

This year there is a family ticket

available at £100 for up to two adults and two children under the age of 16.

All guests are invited to enjoy a festive drinks reception following the concert with wine, canapés and mince pies and a chance to rub shoulders with the performers.

catriona.stewart

@eveningtimes.co.uk

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