PR 2744

12 March 2012- For Immediate Release

Bradley Johnson goes back to school in preparation for festival

X Factor star Bradley Johnson has given students at Lea Manor and Manshead schools a small taste of what people can expect at Luton’s spectacular summer festival.

Wearing a Love Luton badge, Bradley performed Ed Sheeran’s ‘The A team’ and his new single ‘Boomerang’ to excited year 8 students at Lea Manor High school on Friday 9 March.

This was followed up by a similar performance at Manshead Upper School earlier today (Monday) to enthusiastic year 7-10 students before posing for photographs with his young fans.

Recently confirmed for the Love Luton 2012 Festival, Bradley has now signed an exclusive solo deal with record label Ingeny Music Ltd and will be launching his debut single in the next few weeks.

Bradley first made his mark on the music scene at the 2011 auditions for The X Factor, where his rendition of ‘The A Team’ earned him a standing ovation. After making it to the show’s boot camp stage, Bradley became part of the group Nu Vibe, who made it to the live finals.

Bradley has managed to secure many accolades in a very short space of time, including two million YouTube views and over 33,000 followers on Twitter. He also starred in the Mark’s and Spencer Christmas advert with other X Factor Contestants and secured a number one hit with ‘Wishing On A Star’.

Bradley will be performing on Friday 6 July at Popes Meadow alongside The Wanted, up-and-coming boy band Lawson, Irish pop star Aisling O’Reilly and soca superstar SW Storm.

Speaking after this morning’s event at Manshead Upper School, Bradley said: “I enjoy going into schools performing my new single Boomerang to the fans with the hope of inspiring people. I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the Love Luton Festival 2012.”

Robert Lee, Artistic Director for the Love Luton 2012 Festival, said: “It was an absolute delight to have an ambassador for young people like Bradley give such inspirational performances. I can’t believe he is only 17 years old and I actually got choked up watching him engage so brilliantly with the students. Everyone seemed so taken aback.

“Bradley is an absolute superstar in the making and such a welcomed addition to this year’s festival. I encourage everyone to jump online and snap up tickets before it is too late.”

Tickets for the festival can be purchased from www.luton.gov.uk/2012festival. A special early bird and family ticket offer is in place until 7 April.

The Love Luton 2012 Festival will be packed with a huge range of activities including a spectacular carnival parade, school games, circus and Mela activities along with music, comedy and dance leading up to a special Olympic Torch celebration event.

The University of Bedfordshire was named as the first platinum sponsor of the Love Luton 2012 Festival, while Heart FM and Motorbodies have recently signed up to the gold sponsorship packages.

For up to the minute information about the festival follow @lutoncouncil on Twitter using the hashtag #LutonFestival and like ‘Love Luton 2012 Festival’ on Facebook.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Photos of Bradley Johnson available on request.

Interviews with Bradley can also be arranged on request.

Issued by: Adam Kearney on 01582 547402