The Irish charity single that hopes to knock X Factor off the number one Christmas spot
In 2012, A Song For Lily-Mae become the second biggest selling charity single in Irish chart history, second to the 1985 smash hit, 'Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas'.
This year the creative team behind the successful single have done it again - this time recording Tim Minchin’s 'When I Grow Up' from the award-winning musical, Matilda.
As all proceeds raised from the single will be in aid of The Children's Medical Research Foundation, Crumlin and The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children,Tim Minchin has not only recorded this message giving the song his approval, he also has allowed the organisation to use the song royalty free.
The recording of the single was included as part of the ‘Encore’ gala concert which celebrated the 50 years of musical theatre in Ireland at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, by the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS).
Not only does that mean it is the largest ensemble choir ever gathered for a charity single in Irish chart history, it also features special guests Shane Filan and ten-year-old, Grace Lee.
Grace from the Isle of Man has had ten heart procedures for Congenital Heart Disease and suffers from Chronic Lung Disease.
Producer Stephen Macken says he chose the song because of its “deeper meaning in the context of its portrayal of the simple childhood dreams and ambitions that we all once projected into our adult lives, eating sweets all day, climbing taller trees, no longer fearing monsters, and how those dreams and ambitions are the same for all children.
“Including those who face an uncertain future due to illness and who may never live to see their fulfillment. It’s that context that makes the song so special and meaningful.”
The single is available globally on iTunes, Google Play and on CD exclusively from HMV & Xtra-Vision in both the Republic of Ireland and the North.
The recording is being dedicated to the memory of Jack Lam from Castlebar in Co. Mayo.
Jack died in November 2013 from complications arising from his treatment for Neuroblastoma.
He was part of the original social media campaign set-up by the team to create awareness of the recording, but sadly he passed away just a month after submitting his ‘When I Grow Up’ photo.
Here’s hoping it kicks the X Factor of the number one spot this year.
