CHART-TOPPING pop star Will Young is set to sing at a city festive charity concert, the Echo can exclusively reveal.

The Pop Idol winner and Exeter University graduate will be appearing as part of A Christmas Celebration at Exeter Cathedral.

The event has been organised by Exeter-based Positive Action South West, which supports people affected by HIV in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.

Will, whose fourth album Let It Go is riding high in the UK charts, supported the charity as a student and has been its patron since winning Pop Idol in 2002.

The fundraising concert was his idea.

Speaking exclusively to the Echo, he said: "I am very much looking forward to coming to Exeter for the concert and working with Positive Action South West.

"I have been associated with the charity for almost 10 years now and the work it does is as much needed now as it ever was.

"HIV used to be in the public eye a lot more than it is today — it was seen as a trendy charity issue.

"Recently it has diminished considerably in terms of media coverage as it is not seen as such a priority problem anymore.

"Therefore it would be great to raise both awareness and much-needed funds for this good cause."

The event will feature seasonal and world music with readings. Will, who this weekend appeared as a guest mentor on hit ITV talent show The X Factor, will be joined on stage by the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, and renowned actors Joss Ackland and Christopher Timothy.

The Crediton World Music Choir; The Exeter University World Music Choir; The Devon County Junior Choir; The Concert and Chapel Choir of the Bramdean School, Exeter; Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company; the Boys' Brigade Handbell Ringers and acclaimed organist Dr Barry Rose will also be performing.

Grahame Flynn, Positive Action South West's resources manager, said: "It's not just about making money, it is also about raising awareness of the charity and its work, and building links with the community.

"Joss Ackland will be doing a reading from CS Lewis's The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe and Christopher Timothy is reading Memories of Christmas by Dylan Thomas.

"Will will be bringing his guitarist, Rupert Fenn, with him and singing, but it will be something a little different. He is in rehearsals for his tour at the moment and coming up with ideas, but we think it will have a Christmassy theme.

"Although the choirs will be doing their showcases, there will also be the opportunity for the audience to sing some old favourites."

The concert, on Saturday, December 20, is expected to be a sell-out.

Tickets go on sale today from www.exetertickets.co.uk, the box office on 01392 493493 and in person from Exeter Visitor Information and Tickets in Dix's Field.

Nave tickets cost £22 for adults and £10 for children under 12. Aisle tickets cost £15 for adults and £8 for children under 12.

There will also be 100 VIP nave tickets, priced at £32 for adults and £20 for children under 12. VIP tickets include seating at the front of the nave and a mulled wine and mince pie reception in the Chapter House hosted by the Bishop. Mr Ackland, Mr Timothy and Dr Rose will be at the reception, but it is unlikely Will will be able to attend because of his busy schedule.

Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the event can contact Grahame on 01392 492048.