In 2008, staff within the project decided to run a talent show after the huge popularity of Britain’s Got Talent. A partnership Initiative was created with the Upper Springfield & Whiterock Intervention Project, and support from the Yahoo Project and the West Belfast Area Project. Auditions were held in a variety of youth venues and schools in the Upper Springfield area. Over 500 young people auditioned. We held semi finals with 15 acts going through to the finals, held in St.Louises Comprehensive College.

The 650 tickets for the show sold out in 20 minutes. This whole process took on a life of its own. Each young person who made the final were presented with an engraved Ipod, and the joint winners, Padragin Brady & Rachel Murphy, received all expenses paid trips to the X Factor & Britains Got Talent auditions in England.

Funding for the event came from the Big Deal and the Job Assist Centres West Belfast. Judges for the final included local singer songwriter Brian Kennedy and Hollyoaks actor Gerard McCarthy.

Auditions have just finished and next years show will be held in the City Hall in Belfast on 27^th February 2010. Support this year will come from the West Belfast Area Project, and the Upper Springfield Integrated Services for Children and Young People Team. For further information, check out our bebo site on.

To purchase a DVD of this years show, please contact the team on 02890 236677, where it can be purchased for £5.