Published 19th Sep 2023, 06:00 BST

Ignite Concerts is the newest venture from Alistair Griffin who hails from the village of Castleton in the North York Moors north of Whitby.

Since the BBC show Mr Griffin went on to have his song, “Just Drive”, be used as Sky Sports’ Formula One theme. He was also commissioned to write a song for the Grand Depart in 2014 when the Tour de France came to Yorkshire performing it as a duet with Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh.

For the past few years he’s been producer and front man for the Big Christmas Concert series in York and hopes to create a similar atmosphere with Ignite Concerts which will be running through the year and recreate classic songs from famous bands.

Ignite Concerts Lights Up Impossible Bar York for Launch Event. Alistair Griffin, who shot to fame on the BBC Talent show Fame Academy in 2003, says his new venture Ignite Concerts will feature string quartets, singers and pianists with the inaugural candlelit concerts paying homage to timeless classics from iconic bands.

This week the Impossible Bar in York was transformed into a magical, candlelit scene as Ignite Concerts staged a spectacular launch night. The evening of music featured performances by Alistair himself and the Ebor String Quartet, leaving attendees spellbound. The event, attended by Visit York members, not only showcased the talents of these impressive musicians but also offered a glimpse into the future of Ignite Concerts. — Ignite Concerts Lights Up Impossible Bar York for Launch Event. Alistair Griffin, who shot to fame on the BBC Talent show Fame Academy in 2003, says his new venture Ignite Concerts will feature string quartets, singers and pianists with the inaugural candlelit concerts paying homage to timeless classics from iconic bands. This week the Impossible Bar in York was transformed into a magical, candlelit scene as Ignite Concerts staged a spectacular launch night. The evening of music featured performances by Alistair himself and the Ebor String Quartet, leaving attendees spellbound. The event, attended by Visit York members, not only showcased the talents of these impressive musicians but also offered a glimpse into the future of Ignite Concerts.

The first one was held at the Impossible Bar in York after it was transformed into a magical, candlelit scene.

It featured the Ebor String Quartet, performing songs from their upcoming Candlelit Beatles, and were joined by Mr Griffin himself for a finale performance.

Mr Griffin, who was mentored by Bee Gees legend Robin Gibb, said after the first show: “We wanted to give people a taster of what we do. Magical musical experiences in stunning venues by candlelight. The response so far has been great. We’ve just sold out our first show in York which is amazing. But there’s more to come.”

Upcoming concerts include a Halloween Candlelit Cruise planned for October, where guests will be serenaded by candlelight aboard a boat on the River Ouse. Also in October there’s a candlelit film night played by string quartet promising the best of Hans Zimmer and John Williams but with a Halloween twist.

Following his appearance on Fame Academy, where he came second, Mr Griffin went on to have two top twenty hit singles and a top twenty album in the UK.

For many years he has also been making his own lemon curd and entering it into the produce section at the annual Castleton Show which takes place each year in September, and has a friendly rivalry with the local Women’s Institute members.

Yorkshire musician who starred in BBC's Fame Academy hosting candle-lit concerts in York