Knowsley Youngsters show off their
Star Quality

Pictured: Pictured are the five winners Adrian, Nichola, Billy, Kayleigh-Jayne and Christopher with Sarah, Victoria and Ian.

Knowsley youngsters flocked to Knowsley Hey School on Saturday 7th July, each hoping that the day would be their big chance to break into the magical world of showbiz. Popstars had come to Huyton! The aim of the day was to raise money for Willowbrook Hospice in Prescot which serves Knowsley and St.Helens.

Forty children from all over Knowsley took part and the event lasted almost twelve hours from 10 till 10. The morning session saw the children involved in learning a choreographed dance piece to a set song which they then sang and danced in groups for the first round. The dances were complex and proved to be quite a challenge for all the contestants who did well to learn them in one and a half hours! In the afternoon each contestant performed a solo piece which was nerve wracking but extremely enjoyable.

The judges struggled with their decisions but eventually whittled the forty down to fifteen people to go forward to the evening round.

The evening event was a huge success kicking off with a first class performance of a salsa medley from ‘Sarah’, a contestant from the real TV programme, “Popstars”. The fifteen contestants performed rousing songs ranging from modern pop songs to 1920s Broadway numbers. The groups also performed with their teamleaders during the show, with numbers such as ‘Uptown Girl’ and ‘Mamma Mia’.

The judges panel consisted of the team leaders, Leanne Morrison, Kelly Moran and Rachel Cotton plus Anthony Menezes, Jan McDowell and Natalie Hobson who also did a fantastic job on sound, lights and set. Ian Smith, Campaign Manager for Willowbrook Hospice, was also amongst the judges. The evening was hosted by Victoria Turner.

Ian Smith was delighted with the day. “Not only have we had a fantastic day and hopefully raised money for the hospice but the children involved have gained a lot of experience. They have had to learn a difficult dance routine and mix with others with varying amounts of experience. The standard was brilliant - everyone who took part had their own particular talent. I’d also like to thank Knowsley Hey for the organisation of the day - it was second to none. For so many staff to give up their Saturday showed real commitment, as I know you are all busy people!”

At the end of a fantastic day, Sarah presented the five ecstatic winners with trophies.

Everyone left exhausted but exhilarated - what a feeling!