Sugababes in Liverpool for student's 21st

Liverpool student James Murrum won the once-in-a-lifetime chance to have girl pop group Sugababes perform at his 21st birthday party after winning a radio prize draw.

The prize followed a competition run by Windows 7 which offered Heart FM listeners the chance of an exclusive performance if they could suggest an original occasion where the girls could come and perform. The prize included a special appearance for the winner at an occasion of their choice.

James, who studies at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, entered the competition initially as a bit of fun and a perfect chance to celebrate his birthday. He said: “I mentioned perhaps for the girls to perform at my 21st party and that myself and some friends of mine had learnt their dance routine to their latest single 'About A Girl'. This evidently gained their attention, and I believe that was the true reason they picked me."

He initially had nothing planned for his party so when the decision was announced that he had won, it certainly came as a shock to him. “This dramatically changed things for my day, as the venue was paid for, money was put behind the bar... the works. I was genuinely spoilt rotten for the first time in my life. It was such an incredible night,” he said.

The date James had suggested was his actual birthday and, luckily enough, the girls were able to perform that night. The party itself was thrown at Mosquito on Victoria Street, with the entire place rented out for the occasion, complete with an open bar and camera crews to capture the action.

“All my friends and family were extremely happy for me, and all believe I was deserving of such a prize. I had a strict guest list of about 100 guests, all of whom were friends, family, and/or people I love and adore. It was very special,” said James.

At the time the decision was announced, James was in work where he is a steward at Liverpool Philarmonic Hall. He vividly describes the moment which occurred just days before Christmas.

“I was spoken to as if I were a finalist, talking through my application, why I entered, what did I think my chances of winning were etc... and then a long pause ended with: 'Well, James... you’ve won! Of course, I was at work, so I burst out laughing. I couldn’t scream as I shouldn’t even have been on my phone! I was ecstatic as well as overjoyed and overwhelmed. I was so excited and honoured to have such great women at my 21st.”

James was lucky enough to meet the girls beforehand, and was even given an X Box 360 as a gift. They spent time talking before the party and James put forward the idea that him and his friends could join the girls on stage to perform the dance routine for 'About A Girl'.

“The girls were amazing and extremely kind, gentle and seemingly serene. I believe they found us fun to get along with, as we were chatting for ages, and their management had to tear them away from us.”