SYDNEY had Kylie Minogue, Weymouth will have... a Michael Bublé tribute act.

Singer Rickie Arthur, who impersonates the Canadian crooner, has been chosen to kick-start the launch of the Olympics in Weymouth.

He has been booked as the opening act at the Weymouth Bayside Festival in conjunction with the launch of the sailing events. It’s a far cry from Australian pop starlet Kylie Minogue’s appearance at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

The Weymouth Bayside Festival, held in an area behind the Pavilion, will be at the hub of the Olympic celebrations, opening from July 27 to August 12 from 11am until late.

Rickie Arthur, 23, from Newport in Wales, has been booked as the opening act. More acts will be announced soon.

The festival will present a unique opportunity for sponsors, retailers, exhibitors and musicians to showcase their talent to more than 250,000 people.

Rickie said: “I am looking forward to the Olympics and performing on the launch day on July 27 in Weymouth.

“It’s an honour I’ve been asked to perform.

“I didn’t realise that I was being watched, but apparently I had been watched in a theatre in the Isle of Wight over a year ago, so I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity.

“Especially when you know so many billions of people watch the Olympics all over the world and also because of all of the big stars they could have picked over me.

“I am overwhelmed by this opportunity.”

Rickie has just completed a 52-date theatre tour establishing a reputation as one of the best Michael Bublé tribute acts due to his acclaimed show Bublé Fever.

Weymouth Bayside Festival managing director Joe Hall said: “We are delighted that we have booked Rickie Arthur for the opening night and we are really looking forward to his opening act ‘Bublé Fever’.”

Entertainment organiser Simon Ledger, who spotted Rickie in the Isle of Wight last year, said he loved his show.

He said: “Rickie is a sensational tribute artist, featuring a big band sound. With Michael Bublé currently being such a global phenomenon, we felt it appropriate to bring this popular sound to this international event.

“The look, feel and sound of the festival is being designed to cater for a broad range of musical tastes whilst being light-hearted and fun.” Rickie’s father and manager Lee Arthur said Rickie’s uncanny resemblance to Bublé and superb performances had attracted well wishes from Bublé’s management, Warner Music UK, and interest from agents of Universal and Sony records.

He added: “We are hoping that a big label company will give him a chance.”

Entertainment on offer

Weymouth Bayside Festival managing director Joe Hall, said plans were in place to host in excess of 200 sets over the course of the two-week period.

He said: “It is going to be a fabulous event, with masses going on, both on and off our two stages.

“With a wonderfully diverse range of music and light entertainment, from Rickie’s Swing night, to rock, pop and country acts.”

Entertainment organiser Simon Ledger added: “So far we have selected 40 per cent of the acts across the two stages and we look forward to announcing the mix of both local and foreign musicians and artists over the coming weeks.” Tickets for a day pass into the event will go on sale soon and will cost less than £5 for adults with under 10s free.

For details go to weymouthbaysidefestival.co.uk