Press and photocall –X Factor style Talent Contest kicks of Discover Young Hackney ‘11

What: ‘I’m In’ talent contest

Where: Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8.

When: Friday 4 February, 7.30-9.30pm

Details

Budding artistes will be taking to the stage to battle it out in an X-Factor style contest to discover the best of Hackney’s young talent at the Hackney Empire on Friday 4 February.

The young undiscovered acts who will battle it out are:

Liam (Ritz) O Brien (solo)
Holly Watson-Abell (solo)
Robyn louise Regan (solo)
Latisha Antoine and Aimee Riley (Duet)

Ruth Sesay, Tola Balogun and Samuella Kwquie (Trinity a trio)

Choice FM DJ and entertainer Kat B will host the I’m In talent contest, the opening event for Hackney Council’s month-long arts and cultural festival for 11 to 19 year olds, Discover Young Hackney ’11 (DYH ’11).

Mekel Edwards, a judge at the auditions said: “Hackney has great young up and coming talent. This year s ‘I’m In’ is a must see main event for Hackney."

DYH, now in its fifth year, is back by popular demand and is bigger and better than ever. DYH promotes participation and training in the arts for young people through a range of taster sessions and workshops run by creative professionals in music, dance, media, art, photography, fashion design, singing, film and theatre. It also showcases some of the best of the borough’s cultural industries.

Councillor Jonathan McShane Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I’m delighted that the council is supporting Discover Young Hackney. It offers fantastic opportunities for young people to develop their creative skills and knowledge and discover ways into training and careers in the arts - and all for free".

“It is also an opportunity for Hackney’s vibrant arts and culture sector to showcase the excellent work they are doing and to reach out to a large number of young people in the borough.”

The free sessions and workshops taking place throughout February across Hackney include Design, Make and Create, where young people can try their hand at fashion illustration or 3d construction; Glee dance session; Discover Film, a chance to learn more about the art of film making and Animation workshops.

Young Cultural Ambassadors have again played a big part in shaping this year’s festival, working as promoters, journalists, grant decision-makers and trainee producers. Young representatives from Hackney’s Youth Opportunities Fund, Hackney Empire and Eastside Educational Trust have also made important decisions and their contribution has been priceless.

DYH ’11 presents a variety of inclusive and BSL signed events led by Hackney Shed, advocacy group Attitude is Everything and disabled-led theatre company Graeae. It is also acknowledged as one of the outstanding projects that will contribute to the lasting legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Cultural Olympiad.

For more information including details of all the Discover Young Hackney events during February visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/dyh or www. discoveryounghackney .com You can also pick up a copy of the guide from council buildings. Alternatively, contact Hackney Council’s Cultural Development Team on 020 8356 7209 or email: cultural.development@hackney.gov.uk