Talented teenagers help put the pride back into Newbold

The grand finale of the Newbold’s Got Talent

The grand finale of the ‘Newbold’s Got Talent‘ celebration was held at a packed out Springhill Hill School, Rochdale on Friday 16 April.

Around 75 local youngsters aged from 7 to 17 took part, most of them performing for the first time before a live audience of around 150 people.

Overall winners for ‘Most Talent’ were 13 year olds Jerry Berry and Eric Donnelly whose show-stopping duet of Michael Jackson’s ‘Ben’ moved many in the audience to tears. Neither of the boys had ever sung or performed in public before but delivered their duet on the night with style, despite missing their last two rehearsals with pre-show nerves.

Awards were also made to Balil Abid in the Unsung Hero category and Matilda Mutfudza and Irena Santy for Outstanding Performance, whilst the Artists’ Choice Award went to Jordan Woods and Mary Anne Youngblood.

The project was jointly organised by local housing association Guinness Northern Counties and Total Dance which involved practices and performances taking place up to three times a week since October 2009.

A team of performing artists were drafted in to run the workshops, including jazz/big band singer Lisa Lawton, an array of artists from Total Dance and Artistic Director Danny Price.

Lisa Duffy, Community Investment Manager for Guinness Northern Counties said: “The response from local young people to this event was so overwhelming that we had to extend it from a four month to a seven month project. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to put on an amazing night that shows just how much these kids have to offer. The audience feedback has been incredible and there’s a real sense of pride in Newbold from tonight.”

Greater Manchester Police have reported a significant drop in complaints about Newbold since the competition began. Police Inspector Dave Lees who attended the finale said afterwards: “It’s been a fantastic show and a great effort from the kids and the organisers. It’s clearly given some pride back and brought the estate together. Well done to all involved.”

Eric Donnelly, joint winner of ‘Most Talent’ category said afterwards: We really enjoyed putting together our performance and the show was really good fun.”

His singing partner Jerry Berry added: “If it wasn’t for this, I’d just be sat at home doing my head in watching television.”

The project was funded by Guinness Northern Counties and Rochdale Township, with Rochdale Youth Services providing support with staffing and venues to facilitate the training sessions.