Hundreds queue for tickets to JLS lights gig

HUNDREDS of music fans queued from the early hours on Saturday to get their hands on tickets to see JLS perform at Cribbs Causeway.

Around 500 people queued at The Mall – some arriving as early as 4am to ensure they secured a ticket for the event on November 8.

Thousands of fans are expected to pack into a specially constructed arena at The Mall car park for the concert to celebrate the switching on of the complex's Christmas lights.

A total of 10,000 tickets are being made available by Mall bosses over the coming weeks, with 500 being given away each day.

Although the tickets are free, fans are being asked to make a minimum donation of £2 and all money raised will go to Bristol Children's Hospital Grand Appeal.

It is hoped the concert will raise £20,000 for the charity.

First in the queue on Saturday was Angela Carter, 42, of Horfield.

Angela, who was accompanied by her son Thomas, 14.

She had got up at 3am to ensure she got her hands on some tickets.

Angela said: "When we arrived at just before 4am it was cold and dark and we sat in the car for a bit before we were let inside to queue because it was raining,

"It was well worth the wait and getting up so early and I am delighted to have got my tickets – it will be a real family event.

"My son Samuel, 12, is a real JLS fan and he is so excited."

The band, which found fame on TV talent show The X Factor, has seen huge success since they took to the stage in front of Simon Cowell.

Last year fellow X Factor star Olly Murs turned on the lights at The Mall to an excited crowd of thousands.

Jo Pitman, 34, and fiancee Andrew Turner, 38, had got up at 5.30am to travel from Bridgwater to ensure getting their hands on some tickets.

Jo said: "Our two daughters Leah, nine and Ellie, five are massive JLS fans.

"They don't even know we are here to get the tickets, so it will come as a complete surprise to them."

School friends Charmaine Dunwell, 15, of Fishponds; Chloe Mitchell, 15, of Staple Hill; Ashley Russell, 15, of Pucklechurch; and Georgia Ensell, 16, of Emersons Green, were queuing from 6am to get their tickets.

The foursome, all who attend Mangotsfield Secondary School, are dedicated JLS fans.

Charmaine said: "We all love JLS but Ashley is their biggest fan.

"We are really excited to get the tickets and I can't wait to see Marvin – he's really hot."

JLS will be turning on the Christmas lights and officially opening the new Winter Wonderland as well as performing an exclusive live set with songs from their next album.

The Mall head of marketing, Maria Crayton, said fans should not panic as 500 tickets would be given out each day.

She said: "There was a large queue on Saturday morning and once we had reached our ticket allocation for the day we had to turn people away.

"But people shouldn't panic.

"Tickets will be available to collect from The Mall's Information Desk every day starting this Saturday until November 8.

"We'll be setting aside up to 500 tickets for fans to collect each day during Mall opening hours," Ms Crayton.