Ness Factor Goes Country for sing-along evening after 2023 finalist Liam Christie hatches fresh fundraising idea for Highland Hospice
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
If you know your Kenny Rogers from your Luke Combs and love country music, there is only one place to be this weekend.
More than a dozen past Ness Factor talent show finalists, from 2016 to 2023, will be performing a mix of country and western classics and modern-day country hits at an Inverness charity event for Highland Hospice.
Last year’s runner up Liam Christie is the brainchild of the event, Ness Factor Goes Country, to be held at The Botanic House venue in Castle Street from 8pm on Saturday.
The aim is to banish the January blues with a good ol’ sing-song, co-hosted by popular compere Liam and the singer and DJ Venus Guytrap, the first ever Miss Drag Highland.
Two bands, led by 2022 winner Gregor Matheson and past finalist Emma Fraser, of Dashh, will also take part.
Mr Christie, who won most inspirational fundraiser at the last event in October by raising almost £12,000 for the Hospice, is also planning to pick up the microphone to sing.
“The idea has been kicking around for a while to do an offshoot event and I know there are quite a lot of country music fans within the different groups,” he said.
“I kind of threw it out there over a bottle of wine one evening and folk felt it would be a great idea.
“Everyone agrees that when Ness Factor is all over, you can get the real bad blues about no longer being part of the buzz and excitement, and folk also wanted to see each other again.
“We just thought we could raise a few quid, give everyone a good sing-song and a bit of fun, especially at this time of year.
“We’re not expecting big numbers from it but it keeps the profile of the Hospice up there.
“The venue have been fantastic. They have done country events in the past and they are delighted for us to use it.
“We’re looking at maybe 200 people, plus – which is great for the end of January.”
There will also be a raffle drawn on the night to raise further funds for the Hospice, with doors opening at 8 pm for an 8.30 pm start to the music.
