BRMB Live set to hit Birmingham LG Arena

As Christmas draws ever closer, we're all looking forward to party season and it officially kicks off tomorrow night with BRMB Live 2011.

The line up for this annual cheese-tastic event at Birmingham's LG Arena reads like a who's who of the pop charts and will fill any self-respecting music fan with horror.

But if you're a) under the age or 12 or b) prepared to ride out the shame factor, then this is one pop party you won't want to miss.

Already confirmed on the line-up are girl magnets The Wanted, pop princess Pixie Lott, pint- sized rapper Tinchy Stryder, crooner James Morrison and rising chart star Emeli Sande.

And it seems like the events managers at BRMB have also been fiercely raiding The X Factor back-catalogue to bring us Matt Cardle, Cher Lloyd and JLS too.

Former X Factor star Cher, from Malvern in Worcestershire, has also just announced her first solo UK tour and can't wait to meet all her fans.

The 18-year-old Swagger Jagger and With UR Love singer said: "I can't wait to get on that stage and perform for all of you – I never thought I'd ever be having my own tour."

The young star is currently riding high in the carts with her debut album Sticks + Stones and is trying to crack America.

But having suffered some criticism herself while a contestant on last year's show, earlier this month she stepped in to comfort 2011 contestant Jesy Nelson who has been the victim of online bullying about her appearance and weight.

Jesy – one quarter of girlband Little Mix – was said to have avoided a recent awards bash because she was feeling so down about her appearance after reading nasty comments about herself on the internet.

So when Cher spotted the rest of the band at the event without Jesy, she asked for the wannabe's number so she could offer her some moral support.

Cher said: "I rang her up and I was like, 'You've got the biggest platform ever. You've got a massive opportunity. Go out there, be happy'."

Fans are in for a full day of fun at the 2011 Live event with the forum area of Birmingham's LG Arena opening from 4.30pm and the arena doors at 5pm.

Pixie Lott is expected on stage at 7pm, followed by Emeli Sande at 7:30pm, Tinchy Stryder at 7:50pm, 2010 X Factor winner Matt Cardle at 8:15pm and Cher Lloyd at 8:40pm.

An interval will be held at 9:05pm then James Morrison is expected on stage at 9:25pm, followed by The Wanted at 9:50pm and JLS will close the show with a half-hour set due to start at around 10.15pm.

Last year's event saw the likes of Olly Murs, The Script, Alexandra Burke, The Wanted, Example, McFly, James Blunt and Mark Ronson perform.

Speaking about Sunday's show, Max and Tom from The Wanted said: "We can't wait for BRMB Live 2011 – it's going to be amazing."

A Team singer Ed Sheerhan had been due to perform at the event but has since had to pull out and organisers have warned fans that the line-up can be subject to last minute changes.

Tickets are still available – priced from £29.95 plus booking fee – via www.theticketfactory.com or from the box office on 0844 338 8000.

Amy Burns