Hayley Westenra at Fairfield Halls, Croydon

Tracey

When it comes to influences, Hayley Westenra is very different to other 23-year-old singers.

While her contemporaries may be aiming to be the next Beyonce, Westenra has a rather different objective, continuing the work of her hero, Dame Vera Lynn.

Next Wednesday, she will be at Fairfield Halls performing with the Central Band of the RAF in a celebration of the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who lost their lives in the Battle of Britain 70 years ago.

It is a cause Lynn, who topped the album chart last year at the age of 92, is famous for, having sung for the armed forces throughout World War Two.

"She dedicated her life to support the armed forces and she is an incredible woman who is still going strong," says Westenra, who has recorded three top 10 albums plus a Best Of release herself.

"Her album went to number one which is so cool and I was so excited for her.

"I met her when I was 15 or 16 at the Festival of Remembrance, I was in awe of her back them and I still am now.

"I went round to hers for tea one day recently and she showed me all her photos from days travelling around entertaining the troops and it was amazing having that sort of time with her."

The evening will include music from the era as well as some narration and quotes from Winston Churchill.

"This concert remembers the young men and women from back then who fought for freedom," explains Westenra.

"I hope there will be a cross-section of young and old people in the audience as it's important for young people not to forget their country's history.

"Many of the young people today have relatives like me who were involved in these battles.

"One of my Great Uncles was in the RAF in the Second World War and I only really learned about him in the last few years.

"It is incredible what they went through."

Josephine

谢谢分享！

William19920511

每次新闻都要提到Hayley的年龄啊，由于不知道Fairfield Halls是啥，专门查了查，原来是英国法尔菲尔德音乐厅，其实还是不知道是啥。不过Google地图上找得到。

阿源

我好想快D睇到Hayley出碟新闻啊啊啊啊啊啊啊啊~~