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Talent 2011

PRESS RELEASE

IT’S MORE THAN URBAN IT’S YOUTH

Home grown talent gets a worldwide stage in BirminghamThis year the Midland’s largest talent showcase takes the UK by storm. On September 30th the spectacular Talent 2011 grandfinale comes to Birmingham.The annual showcase is an exhilarating collision of artistic talent in the categories of dance, singing, fashion design, rap andmodelling that will see approximately 30 young hopefuls battling it out for the winning title of Talent 2011.Months of preparation, master classes and workshops will culminate in a dazzling showdown in front of some of the UKfashion, music and dance industry’s most prominent experts.This years prizes include an internship with Fashion mogul Zandra Rhodes, a spot on the Mahogany Models catwalk atLondon Fashion Week plus many more delectable’s. There will also be a goody bag giveaway on the night along with liveperformances. Hosting this year’s show is MTV’s very own funny man Kat who will be treating the audience to some of hisaward winning comedy antics.Judges on the night will include 1Xtra founder Ray Paul, Justice Williams MBE, choreographer to the stars Del Mak(Beyonce and La Roux), Pam Cheema founder of Frock on Vintage (Topshop) and Versa Beatz (producer for WizKhalifa ).The show which is brought to you by Aspire 4u CIC as part of their acclaimed national lottery funded project ‘Talent’ will be heldat New Bingley Hall in Birmingham in front of a live audience of 2000 people as part of a display of their dedication to the youthof today. In light of the recent riots the show hopes to prove that the vast majority of young people deserve a chance andshouldn’t be penalised by the mistakes of a select few.Following her meeting with Labour leader Ed Milliband after the riots and reflecting on the success of the project sofar Aspire 4u Director and Founder Daniella Genas said:“What we focus on is the raw talent that has been discovered trained and nurtured over the weeks of workshops. Theshowcase is a platform for finalists to present their hard work and efforts to mainstream public who help us decide who has the‘Talent’ to compete on a UK showbiz scene”Now in its 6th year the talent project has received 3 years of development funding from the National Lottery and continues to dofantastic work with the young people across the midlands by changing the lives of many individuals.Speaking on his involvement, Ray Paul founder of 1xtra and Talent 2011 judge said:“It gives me great pleasure to be a part of something so unique and beneficial to young people from unprivileged backgrounds.I’ve seen first hand how talent, passion and support can keep those kids off the streets and from getting into trouble. All youneed to do is to show them a little bit of faith and support, and they are capable of doing the rest. And that is what Talent 2011is about, giving them a chance to shine. And that’s why I’m so passionate about supporting this project 100%”----END----Tickets are available at www.visitbirmingham.com/tickets and www.theticketfactory.com. For more information, Interviews orstories contact Diana Ossowska diana@playwrightmedia.co.uk or Abu Uddin abu.uddin@playwrightmedia.co.uk