Concept are the stars at charity concert (From This is Hampshire)

QMC students star in show in Popley, Basingstoke

10:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Gazette By Emily Roberts

A BASINGSTOKE boy band were a big hit when they entertained crowds at a charity concert in their home town.

Concept, who are all 17-year-old Queen Mary’s College students, were welcomed on stage by exci-ted girls, all keen to catch a glimpse of the teenagers.

The five lads, who have already experienced mass hysteria when they were escorted out by security at a gig in Uxbridge as fans tried to mob them, performed their catchy tunes at The Spotlight Centre, in Shakespeare Road, Popley, much to the delight of the 150-strong audience.

Band member Ben Selley, who is the cousin of One Direction’s Harry Styles, said the band was “proud and pleased to be able to support the centre”.

Concept, who are managed by Sam Bennett of SEB Collective, who has worked with acts such as Jessie J and JLS, describe their music as a mixture of pop and Motown.

They performed a preview of their new, soon-to- be-released single, before signing everything in sight for the queuing hoards of screaming girls.

The charity gig was organised to raise money for the centre, which offers affordable activities such as dance and drama to the community.

Michaela Riley, who runs the centre, said: “The money raised will help with the general running of the centre. It was the first band night we’ve organised, and it went really well.

“There were five other support acts who were also very popular.”

The other acts included Jess Woods and Elliott Venables. A company from Southampton donated the stage, lights and sound system, helping to transform the centre’s hall for the night.