Riverside - St Helens’ youngsters have the X Factor

4 November 2009

Young singers, dancers, musicians and other performers took to the stage for the grand finale of St Helens Got Talent.

The contest, which took place at the Theatre Royal, was organised by social landlord Riverside in partnership with Merseyside Police, funded by Riverside, Arena Homes and Morrison and supported by Maritime, Re:New and Helena Homes. Twenty three acts who qualified at heats held across the borough entertained a packed crowd of over 700 people. The winner in the 7-11 age group was Carnage, a group made up of Joe Hill on vocals and guitar and Oliver Nash on drums. Charlotte Beresford who sang Proud Mary came second, Imana De Varez who sang Summertime came third and Ellie Burke who sang and danced to I was born to entertain was awarded the special prize.

The winner in the 12-19 age group was Hannah Barr who performed an amazing dance routine, Keira Turner who sang Hallelujah came second, Kate Owen who performed I dreamed a dream from Les Miserables came third and Matthew Ball who performed his own song won the special prize. Sitting on the judging panel were: the Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Terry Shields; Cllr Wally Ashcroft, Executive Member of Culture, Sport and Heritage; Lindsay Inglesby from Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts; TV Producer Alison Maloney; and Craig Fletcher, Helena Partnerships Project Officer for Young People.

Tanya Marsh, Neighbourhood Housing Officer for Riverside, said: “Now in its third year, St Helens Got Talent is a great way of channelling young people’s energies into something positive. The standard of entries was really high and in addition to the new talent, we were delighted to welcome back last year’s winners Olivia Simm and Jamie Webb for a special performance.”

Police Inspector Steve Lowe, who introduced the acts on the night, added: “All too often the young people of society receive bad press and are blamed for causing anti- social behaviour. This event showed that the vast majority of young people are responsible citizens, they have such a lot to offer within the community. They are the future of our community.

“The final was a chance to display this and it was done in style. The efforts of all those that took part in the final show were brilliant but only made possible by the dedication of Tanya Marsh and Police Community Support Officers in staging heats and semi-finals, arranging venues and all the administration, often done in their own time after their normal working hours. This event is something to be proud of. It was an absolute pleasure to witness the talent and to see the enjoyment that they brought to a full house at the Theatre Royal.”