Hometown performance for Starsailor singer as part of Wigan 10k

The Billinge-born singer and guitarist will close a music festival being held in the town centre to entertain runners, their families and friends after the race.

He will play a few solo acoustic songs on a stage on Market Place on the afternoon of Sunday, September 4.

The music festival is part of the Wigan 10k, organised by charity Joining Jack.

Matt Johnson, whose nephew Jack was the inspiration for the charity, said: “It’s not very often that you get chance to watch somebody of James’ calibre for free.

“It’s a great gesture from him for Joining Jack.”

Thousands of runners will take part in the Wigan 10k, setting off from Market Street at 10am.

The race will be started by eight-year-old Jack Johnson, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

He will be joined by Wigan Warriors players Sam Tomkins and Josh Charnley.

After running 10km, participants are encouraged to either stay in the town centre or return later to enjoy live music and visit a European market selling food and drinks.

Musicians will take to the stage outside The Moon Under Water from around 10.45am.

Performing will be: The Beard Band, Paddy Ryan Music, Marcadia, Lyon Road and The VC.

James will close the festival when he performs at around 2.45pm.

It will be his second hometown gig in just two months, after Starsailor performed at Robin Park indoor sports arena in July in their first Wigan show for several years.

The band formed at Wigan And Leigh College and sold more than three million albums, but decided to split after fourth release All The Plans in 2009 and went on a five-year hiatus.

Matt said: “We have a great line-up this year. It’s probably the best line-up we have had on the music side.

“It’s not just a running event, it’s a food and drink festival and music festival and this year signifies that more than before.”

Entries are still pouring in for the fourth annual 10k race, with more runners than ever expected to take part this year.

Matt said: “With just under two weeks to go, we are ahead of schedule and on track for record numbers of runners entering the Wigan 10k for 2016.

“Registration is still open for all those looking for a late entry.”

After being waved off by Jack, Sam and Josh, runners will be given a helping hand by more Wigan Warriors players as they man a water station at the DW Stadium.

The course will take them along Park Road and Scot Lane, to Martland Mill Industrial Estate and the DW Stadium and returning to the town centre via Mesnes Park.

There has been a slight change to the course this year, with alterations to the park section of the route meaning runners will go onto the track at Robin Park.

At the end of the race, finishers will receive a Wigan 10k medal featuring a handwritten message from Jack.

Entry to the Wigan 10k costs £19.50, or £17.50 for running club members.

To sign up or find out more, go to www.wigan10k.co.uk.