Middleton poster-stars hit the right note

Ian Robinson (Black Lace) leads the Middleton Popstars Academy conga.

Middleton Popstars Academy had double cause for celebration this week when it unveiled its latest performance - on a city-centre billboard in Manchester and, they also recorded a new single with ‘80’s party-music icons, Black Lace.

The poster – which measures 3m x 12m – is sited near Victoria Station and celebrates the Academy’s regional victory (North of England) in The Co-operative’s ‘Join the Revolution’ campaign – where they scooped a £5,000 share of £25,000 for doing something revolutionary to change things for the better in their community.

In the same week, the youngsters also laid down vocals on a new Black Lace single which they hope will take the charts by storm this Christmas-time.

Working with the band - well known for its top-ten ‘party’ hits ‘Agadoo’ and ‘Do the Conga’ – the Academy spent time in a Stockport recording studio, making the rock ‘n’ roll party record which will be available from late November.

Anne Marshall of Middleton Popstars Academy, added: “Winning £5,000 in The Co-operative’s competition is amazing - It is also fantastic for the young people at Popstars to see themselves on the poster, they were very excited, it really has provided a buzz.

“And, for them to work with Black Lace on their Christmas single and, experience a recording studio session, is such a great opportunity.

“The Academy responds to the needs of young people, it is open to all regardless of ability or disability. We work as a team and we do what we do in order to give all young people opportunities to develop their skills and build self-belief and self-esteem.”

Ian Robinson of Black Lace, who now lives in Stockport, said: “The Academy’s youngsters are excellent. We have worked with them before on a ‘Conga’ video in Blackpool and I asked Anne (Marshall) if they would be involved in our latest recordings - it is just over 25 years since ‘Do the Conga’ was in the top-ten and it is now popular all over again!”

The Co-operative’s multi-media campaign called upon consumers to “join the revolution” to help to secure a more balanced and sustainable future for the UK. It showcased local people who, with a little help from The Co-operative, are instigating real change.

Helen Carroll, Senior Brand Manager at The Co-operative, said: “The Co-operative is very much a community business itself and is delighted to have been able to highlight and celebrate organisations such as Middleton Popstars Academy that are making a big difference in their communities.”