Published Thursday 10 December 2020 at 10:39
Talented Darwen singer Cormac Thompson has used his new found fame to shine a Christmas spotlight on his hometown.
The 11-year-old has kindly partnered with Blackburn with Darwen Council to record the new music video for one of the nation’s favourite Christmas carols; ‘O Holy Night.’
It’s been filmed in front of the town’s new Christmas lights and will be used to help promote businesses and encourage residents to shop local this festive season.
Cormac’s beautiful rendition of the song is taken from his new debut album ‘Hear My Voice’ which is now available to buy and download.
The youngster’s new found fame comes after he started singing renditions of his nannie’s favourite songs and sharing them online for her to be able to watch during lockdown.
When the 11-year-old’s heartfelt performance of ‘Danny Boy’ came to attention of record label Decca by chance on social media, they immediately signed him.
Cormac’s mum, Alison said:
This whole experience of getting a record deal and everything that comes with it is an absolute dream for Cormac.
He is a very kind boy and when the Council contacted us to ask if he would like to record a video to help promote the town he was very keen to do it.
He has always tried to do what he can to help others.
Last Christmas, Cormac did a sponsored sing at two local nursing homes to raise money for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and we are delighted to be able to do something again this year to support the town after such a difficult year.
Alison added:
At times we really do have to have to pinch ourselves.
When Cormac started to record some of his album, he warmed up playing a piano that’s once belonged to Freddie Mercury – it’s more than we could have ever dreamed of!
And this week, Cormac’s album, ‘Hear My Voice’ was chosen as Album of the Week on Classic FM.
He also received a message from Aled Jones – live on Good Morning Britain – telling him how good the new version of ‘Walking In The Air’ was!
Alison said:
We hope that this new video will help promote the town. We know that local businesses need support more than ever before.
We hope it’ll also help spread some festive cheer this Christmas – it was an absolute pleasure to be involved and we would like to wish everyone in Darwen a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Council reached out to Cormac after being so impressed by his story.
He offered to record the video for ‘O Holy Night’ from his album to the backdrop of the market – which has this year been transformed with new Christmas lights.
The video has been shot by local firm, ThisIs TAE.
Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration, said:
We cannot thank Cormac enough.
We are incredibly proud to have such a talented youngster living in our borough and it has been a pleasure to watch his recent success.
This video will really play a valuable part in helping to promote the town – which is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
We hope it’ll also help raise Christmas spirits after what has been an incredibly difficult time.
Our businesses really do need our support and this is a way to really help promote it.
Thank you Cormac – you are a special boy and we wish you all the very best with your singing career!
You can watch the new video by Cormac on YouTube now.
Short clips are also available on the Council’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
You can help support the town and spread some festive cheer, by liking the post, commenting and sharing.
By shopping at our Shop Darwen businesses, you could also be in with the chance of winning of £50 of Shop Darwen vouchers by entering a free prize draw.
For full details and Darwen Market Christmas opening times in the run up to Christmas, please visit: www.darwentowncentre.co.uk