THEY have topped the charts, sold tens of millions of records and have countless fans - but one fan from Wirral, in particular, was in for a treat.
For the 50th birthday party of one lucky fan - and guests - at an exclusive Wirral hotel, they were entertained by Irish pop band Westlife for a full 45-minute set.
The secret gig had been organised by the wealthy husband as a surprise for his wife at the birthday party at the Hillbark Hotel, in west Wirral.
Around 100 guests were treated to the show in a marquee at the party in the luxury hotel’s grounds at Royden Park, Frankby.
One of those lucky enough to grab a sneak view said the band had arrived last Saturday afternoon and spent several hours doing sound checks after being jetted in from Ireland.
He said it had been a “very intimate performance” and, although not a fan himself, had recognised the songs from the band’s extensive back catalogue.
He said: “It was all very hush hush”.
“They had said they loved doing this kind of gig because it took them back to where they had started out, playing to small but appreciative audiences, and that it made a change from playing to huge stadiums.”
It is understood the band later went for a night out in Liverpool and were seen at the Mosquito Club.
It is not the first time the band have performed such a gig for a private party. A year ago, Westlife and Girls Aloud were reportedly hired to perform at a private 18th birthday.
They had been booked by a millionaire businessman to play at his daughter's party at Kenwick Park Hotel in Louth, Lincolnshire.
The hotel where the band performed itself has a curious history, originally built in 1891 on Bidston Hill, in Birkenhead, for the soap manufacturer Robert William Hudson.
Hillbark was sold in 1921 to Sir Ernest Royden and in 1928 was moved to its present site - brick by brick - finally being completed in 1931.
It had been used by the local authority before being bought by current owners, husband and wife team, Craig and Lisa Baker.
While in Wirral, last weekend, the band are also believed to have stayed at the luxury boutique Leverhulme Hotel, in Port Sunlight, also owned by the Bakers, and were seen by a number of surprised locals walking around admiring the historic village the following morning before jetting off that day.
When asked about the secret performance by the band, a spokesman for the hotels last night refused to comment.
Credit/Source: www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk
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