ONE of Ireland’s biggest music stars will be returning to his old stomping grounds when he brings his band to Preston Guild Hall tomorrow night.

Nathan Carter, who has had three successive number one albums in Ireland, beating both Beyonce and Drake to the top spot used to be a regular performer in Preston before moving over to Ireland.

“I used to gig in Preston when I first started out,” he said. “When I left school at about 16 used to play in a little pub, the Railway. I played there about once a month for about 18 months before I moved to Ireland but I haven’t played in Preston since. That must be 11 years ago since I played Preston and I have never played at the Guild Hall before."

Growing up in Liverpool Nathan’s vocal talents were spotted at an early age - he became head chorister at Liverpool Cathedral and toured the world, even performing in front of the Pope.

But it was through his parents’ love of country music that he finally found his voice and at the end of the month will be releasing his ninth album, Born for the Road.

“When started out I was doing a lot of country stuff and folk stuff,” he said. “I still do that but over the years I have started writing my own material which has helped establish what I do.

“As a performer I think I’m where I’ve always wanted to be; that’s putting on an energetic and exciting show. My band are all top class players and very engaging on stage – they like to put on a show as well. So I’d like to think that the people who come along will really have a good time.”

For the fans, Nathan is promising something special for the Preston date.

“I’ll have The Houghton Weavers as support just for this show,” he said. “They are good friends of mine and they used to call me up on stage I was really young. I was only about nine or 10 and I’d go up on stage with my accordion and sing with them.

“When I knew I was doing a gig in Preston, I thought it would be a great thing to ask them to do half an hour to open up for me as I know they have a lot of fans in the area and I was delighted they said yes.”

Nathan Carter, Preston Guild Hall Friday, September 14. Details from 01772 840220 or www.prestonguildhall.co.uk