Nineties boy band East 17 have been booked to headline Mansfield's Christmas lights switch-on event this Sunday (Nov 27). Many fans will be excited to hear their hit song Stay Another Day - but might not know the devastating story behind the popular festive tune.
The 1994 single has become a Christmas song over the years, despite its sad theme. As reported by the Mirror, it's a stark contrast to most festive songs, which tends to be about love, dancing and celebrations.
Many would argue that Stay Another Day isn't really a Christmas song, but it is constantly played on the radio during December and features on many festive playlists and CDs. But, although people will be familiar with the tune, they might not realise that it was actually written by the group's lead songwriter Tony Mortimer about his brother's suicide.
READ MORE: 90s band East 17 to turn on Mansfield Christmas lights
Mortimer told the Big Issue: "It's so odd that it's a Christmas song. I wrote it about my brother's suicide - so it's about the end of a relationship, and missing someone.
"That's what it's based on, and I think people like that. It might have been a hit because people felt sorry for me or whatever, but it's also a very nostalgic song for Christmas, for looking back over the year and times gone by."
He also admitted that he struggled initially when the song became a Christmas hit. He said: "I got over hearing Stay Another Day all the time at Christmas – I've accepted that. There was a time when that song just didn't go away, it was a nightmare. Now I've got over it."
The song reached Number 1 in the UK charts after its release in 1994 and often breaks back into the top 50 in the lead up to Christmas. It's famous music video shows the band in big white jackets against a plain black background, as snow falls around them.
Stay Another Day includes the heart-breaking lyrics: "Baby if you've got to go away, I don't think I can take the pain. Won't you stay another day. Oh don't leave me alone like this. Don't you say it's the final kiss. Won't you stay another day."
Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, has described the town as "beyond excited" to welcome East 17 to the Christmas lights event this weekend. He said: "After two years when Christmas community events were drastically curtailed due to the pandemic, we're returning with a bang this year.
"We are beyond excited to have top selling band East 17 as part of our festive celebration line-up and we hope to see the Market Place brimming with happy faces and enjoying a nostalgic singalong. Start warming up your vocals."
The event is free and will be hosted by local radio station Mansfield 103.2FM from 3pm to 5.05pm, and 90s singer Suki Soul will also feature. There will be entertainment in the town centre throughout the day, with walkabout entertainers and free giveaways. The day will end with a firework display.
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