Tag: Britain’s Got Talent

Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo star makes it through to Britain’s Got Talent sem-final

Fife musician Cammy Barnes is the only Scot to make it to the live shows and returns to Edinburgh Castle to record special video performance

A talented musician who wowed crowds at last year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has become the only Scot to make it through to the Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals.

Cammy Barnes, 32, from Fife, won over the BGT judges with a passionate performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers Licence’ and will now vie for a place in Saturday’s live final.

A barber by trade and gifted bagpiper, Cammy was part of the Electro Pipes performers at last year’s Tattoo, who provided a fresh addition to the Show on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, mixing the traditional bagpipes with modern, electronic music, combined with state-of-the-art projection and lighting.

To celebrate his success on the show, the Tattoo welcomed Cammy back to Edinburgh Castle to record a special video performance of Wild Mountain Thyme. Cammy was joined by Stevie Small, Production Manager at the Tattoo, who played the pipes, set against the stunning Edinburgh skyline.

The Tattoo is committed to supporting emerging talent and providing talented performers – like Cammy – with a platform to play to audiences from around the world. He also played a starring role in the Show’s finale last year, singing Walking on the Waves in an emotional and powerful performance alongside Tattoo acts from around the world.

Cammy said: “It was always my dream to play at Edinburgh Castle so I’m forever indebted to the Tattoo and the whole team there for giving me the opportunity to play in such an iconic Show alongside so many talented people from around the world.

“My Dad was actually a lone piper at the Tattoo back in the day, so for it to come full circle, with me performing on the same Castle Esplanade was something really special. The team at the Tattoo are so good about giving fresh talent like me a chance to showcase their skills.

“Little did I know just a year on I’d be auditioning in front of Simon Cowell and the other judges and there’s no doubt that my time performing last year in the Tattoo really helped build my confidence to just go for it. I’d really urge people to snap up tickets for this year’s Show as the whole experience of the Tattoo, whether performing or watching, is a spectacle to behold.

“I can’t thank everyone at the Tattoo enough for their support so far and for giving me the opportunity to come back to perform at Edinburgh Castle alongside Stevie. I really hope I can do them and the whole of the country proud at the semi-finals. I’ll definitely be giving it my all for Scotland!”

Cammy recently became a father to his young daughter Bonnie and aims to make her proud throughout his BGT experience.

Buster Howes, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Cammy’s one of those personalities you instantly warm to and we couldn’t be prouder of him and his efforts on Britain’s Got Talent.

“We’re an organisation that places an emphasis on emerging talent so to see Cammy’s talent continue to flourish is fantastic. We were only too happy to help facilitate his special performance of Wild Mountain Thyme at the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

“His energy during both the Electro Pipes and his singing in the finale really captured the imagination at our Show last year and you could feel the buzz he brought to the Esplanade when he and his fellow performers showcased their talents.

“On behalf of everyone at the Tattoo, I wish Cammy all the best in the semi-finals and would urge everyone to get behind him and give him their vote.”

The 2023 Show, Stories will be staged between 4-26 August, and will be a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage.

Building on last year’s successful return show, Voices, the 2023 performance, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, will showcase performers from around the globe, telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages.

Tickets for Stories can be purchased online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. To watch Cammy’s special Edinburgh Castle performance, please visit edintattoo.co.uk or the Tattoo’s social channels.

BGT star Colin Thackery’s moving tribute on Edinburgh Poppy Day

Britain’s Got Talent winner Colin Thackery paid an emotional tribute to fallen comrades as he performed at the city’s annual Poppy Day yesterday (THURS 3rd NOV).

The Chelsea pensioner and Korean war veteran, who became the talent show’s oldest ever winner in 2019, joined the fundraising concert at St Andrew Square, hosted by BFBS The Forces Station.

He performed alongside the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland,  acclaimed folk musician Alan Brydon, Royal Navy veteran Richard Kerr, and George Heriot’s Pipe Band, while visitors also enjoyed a display of historic vehicles in the square.

The city centre blossomed with poppies as scores of collectors hit streets, supermarkets and shopping centres to support the Scottish Poppy Appeal. They were boosted by groups from Legion Scotland, the Armed Forces, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and local and national businesses.

Poppyscotland’s Bud mobile museum opened its doors to the public on Waverley Bridge, inviting people of all ages to explore the history of remembrance and try their hands at making their own poppy.

The event is the Scottish Poppy Appeal’s largest fundraising event in the Capital, with the aim of raising thousands of pounds to supports its welfare work with the Armed Forces community.

Colin, 92, who served in the Royal Artillery, will also be performing at the Festival of Remembrance at Dundee’s Caird Hall on Saturday night (NOV 5th).

Colin said: “The response here in Edinburgh has been extraordinary and it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers.  Having done it for many years myself, it is great to see so many out collecting on the streets, in all weathers.

“It’s very gratifying to see how much support there is, and I find it heart-warming to see people wearing poppies. I have been in battles and the people we are remembering are the guys who didn’t make it home.

“For veterans, it is always good to know that Poppyscotland is there if they or their families ever need support, or even just a friendly face.”

Collector Ian Foster, from Falkirk, who served for 15 years with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, said: “We’ve had a wonderful response from the public today. This is a very special time of year for me, and I always feel humbled and grateful when I see people wearing poppies and showing their support.”

Hamish McGregor, a volunteer Area Organiser for Poppyscotland and Royal Army Medical Corps veteran, said: “For me, the poppy is symbolic of a young person’s heart. Every time I give someone a poppy, I think of the young people who gave their lives over the years.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “There’s been a fantastic atmosphere today, and we’ve been delighted to see all the talent on show at the concert. The public has really taken Colin to their hearts. 

“We have had magnificent support from the Armed Forces community, Edinburgh businesses, and all the volunteers who have given up their time to help today.

“We were also pleased to see so many people of all ages taking the chance to explore Bud, and learn more about the history of the poppy and role of remembrance in Scotland. 

“Our Armed Forces do remarkable things to protect us and our way of life, despite never having met us. Wearing a poppy is a way to show that you care, and that their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

“All funds raised will help Poppyscotland continue it vital, life-changing work supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families throughout Scotland.”

For more information on the 2022 Scottish Poppy Appeal visit poppyscotland.org.uk. Tickets for the Festival of Remembrance cost £12 and are available from Dundee City Box office via their website or by calling  01382 434940.