These kids have talent!
18 May 2012 15:08:21
Five hundred talented youngsters put on a smashing musical show to a packed audience in Kilmarnock’s Palace Theatre – featuring everything from Ring on the Olympics to Hairgel!
Never mind Britain’s Got Talent – East Ayrshire Schools Have Talent 2012 raised the bar even higher than last year’s amazing show.
Parents and friends enjoyed two different song and dance extravaganzas on two evenings, featuring kids from schools across East Ayrshire.
Starring schools were Hillhead, Newmilns, New Farm, Onthank, Darvel, Kirkstyle, St Andrew’s, Dalrymple and Patna primaries and James Hamilton Academy. Compere for the evening was TV actor and entertainer Liam Dolan, a popular figure with Palace audiences, due to his seasonal panto performances.
The cast of hundreds put on a range of colourful and energetic performances: Hillhead – Hairgel; Newmilns – Ring on the Olympics; New Farm – Going for Gold; Onthank – High School Musical; Darvel – A Royal Celebration; Kirkstyle – The Blitz; St Andrew’s – Go for Gold; Dalrymple – Tam O’Shanter; Patna – Voices and Footsteps Across the Globe; James Hamilton – Contemporary Music Medley.
Several councillors, fresh from recent election success, attended over the two evenings. For new Provost of East Ayrshire, Councillor Jim Todd, it was the first official engagement – which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Taking to the stage to thank the young performers, Provost Todd said: “Last time I was on this stage I was playing with Big George and the Penetrations. I love live music. I was rocking and tapping my feet all through the show.
“We could have been sitting at home tonight watching a talent show on TV – but this is much better. The difference is the genuine smiles on these kids’ faces.
“This was a brilliant evening’s entertainment and I’m amazed at the talent and energy of all our young people. From the very youngest pupils, to senior students – they have performed excellently tonight and really raised the rafters of the Palace Theatre”.
Graham Short, Executive Director of Educational and Social Services, said: “I am deeply appreciative of the hard work and commitment of all pupils and staff involved in producing this showcase of talent.
“In the past four working days, I have listened to young musicians perform a strings concert on this stage to near professional standard. I have judged a Jubilee recipe competition for schoolchildren who were challenged to come up with something to rival Coronation Chicken – and 600 of them entered.
“I have visited Hillhead Primary’s wonderful new eco garden. Loudoun Academy has achieved its second Green Flag. A pupil of Doon Academy has flown to Athens as part of the London 2012 delegation to bring the Olympic Flame to the UK, along with the Princess Royal, David Beckham and Boris Johnson.
“So I would say, without hesitation, East Ayrshire Schools certainly do have talent”.
Show producer Martyn Hay said: “Each school showed great enthusiasm and commitment in preparing for the showcase – and the result was an outstanding success. Our young people are brilliant”.
ends
For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk