Duo to star at top music festival

Leigh singer-songwriter Gary Quinn and Carley, who grew up in Billinge, have co-written a song, Hurricane, which they will showcase at the Buckle and Boots country and western festival on June 25 at Whitebottom Farm, Compsall, Stockport.

Gary began collaborating with the former Hollyoaks star a year ago as she released her EP and is excited to perform with her next month.

The 34-year-old, who moved to Leigh from Northern Ireland six years ago, said: “I was gigging in Manchester and Carley was there. She approached me and said she would like to work with me.

“We co-wrote Hurricane as she sent me some lyrics over and I added to them and we came up with a song really quickly. She was really easy to work with and we will be collaborating further for more country and western songs.

“Hurricane is doing really well and has been picked up by some radio stations. Whenever I put on singer/songwriter shows I get Carley to come and perform with me. Hopefully we can write more songs and she can have a catalogue of tunes.”

Gary, who has been writing and performing sings since 2009 is the organisier of Buckle and Boots and is excited, as there are some big names coming, including top American country and western singer Phil Vasser, as well as Jess and the Bandits and former X Factor singer Carolynne Poole.

He added: “I am really looking forward to the gig. An outdoor country and western festival is unique for the UK and we are excited about Phil Vasser coming.”

Carley said: “Buckle and Boots is a highly successful country celebration of the UK’s top artists also. I released an EP last year including an original track Hurricane co-written with Gary Quinn. I will be performing this song along with a few others during the festival.

“My fiance Danny Mac and I plus two friends have two nights show in London too in September. Every now and then joining Gary on his gigs. I just want to keep writing and performing when work is quiet. Music is pretty much everything and I’m always doing something to do with it. I’m so fortunate to know Gary and have him ask me to join in and write with him.”

Carley said she is starting a play next month in London - details yet to be announced - and is currently filming an episode of Holby City.