Gary Barlow joins Blackpool gig

Barlow volunteered to step in after Irish rockers The Script pulled out on the last minute.

16:44 30 August 2013

The Blackpool illuminations Switch-on concert that was scheduled on Friday was supposed to be headlined by Irish rockers The Script. However, the band withdrew citing a “serious family illness.”

Take That’s Gary Barlow said on Twitter that he will volunteer and step in but only if organisers will donate funds to Children in Need.

Barlow said: "I went there on holiday as a kid and it is a very fond place for me.”

He added: "When I saw the news that they had lost The Script I thought I am going to see if I can do this. When the council said they would make a donation for BBC Children In Need, I decided I'm there."

A statement released by The Script’s management said that the band regret cancelling the Illuminations Switch-On concert and Leeds Academy gig that was scheduled on Thursday “due to a sudden serious family illness.”

Full refunds were offered by organisers but other acts booked for the concert would perform as planned.