Katherine Jenkins wows Camp Bastion

19th November 2013

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Katherine Jenkins has performed two special concerts for hundreds of UK troops after making a visit to Afghanistan with The British Forces Foundation.

The mezzo soprano singer, accompanied by renowned comedian Kane Brown, Capital FM presenter and comic Greg Burns and up-and-coming singer/songwriter TJ Bilham, travelled with the charity as part of a 3-day morale-boosting visit to Camp Bastion.

See the British Forces News Report

During a busy first day Katherine toured the Joint Aviation Group, met aircrews and stepped aboard Apache, Lynx and Chinook helicopters. At Theatre Engineering Group she met Army divers and military working dog teams, before giving an evening performance with her fellow artists at Engineering Support.

On day two Katherine spent more time signing autographs and visiting personnel going though theatre arrival training at Reception, Staging and Onward Integration (RSOI). During the afternoon she visited Theatre Logistic Group (TLG), where she sang an impromptu Happy Birthday song for Craftsmen Bryan Larkin.

The 22-year-old, who works as a vehicle maintainer at TLG, said: “It was a real surprise when she sang Happy Birthday. I’m two months into my tour and the last thing I expected was to be sitting on a vehicle with Katherine Jenkins singing on my birthday.”

Katherine, who is a Trustee of The British Forces Foundation, has previously performed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and mainland UK. She completed her visit by singing for hundreds more personnel at the Danish sector of Camp Bastion.  

She said: “Returning to Afghanistan has been just as emotional and humbling as the first time in 2007. I would like to thank everyone I met in Camp Bastion for making it an experience I will never forget and send my love to all the families of those on Operation Herrick.

“It is an immense honour to be able to perform for the men and women of our Armed Forces and I will continue to do so for as long as they want me to.”  

BFF Chief Executive Mark Cann, said: “When the guys we have come to see feel a lift after one of our shows and get a sense of people back home being behind them, then we have done our job.

“Katherine’s commitment to the Armed Forces and willingness to come to places such as Camp Bastion, time and time again, is utterly brilliant. She is a star.”

Lynx Aviation Crewman James McCafferty was among the audience. He said: "It was amazing I really enjoyed it. It really is true what they say, Katherine has the voice of an angel and is beautiful. Thanks for coming to visit everyone here in Afghanistan - it is greatly appreciated."

And on Twitter Si Peirson wrote: "Quality show tonight, big morale boost, cheers."

Brig Duncan Capps, Assistant Chief of Staff J1/J4 at Permanent Joint Headquaters, wrote: "Thank you very much for organising what I know has been a hugely well received visit by Katherine. We continue to benefit greatly from the support of BFF."

And Capt Robin Roe in Camp Bastion added: "I am delighted that the BFF tour was a big success and that I am just happy to be a part of it and provide guys doing more difficult jobs than I a break from the norm. Once again, many thanks for your support and thank you for providing what was a superb entertainment package."

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