Mahdlo Youth Zone in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Saddleworth and Oldham Metro and Oldham Council held a borough-wide competition to give young people the opportunity to audition for a performance slot at this year’s Saddleworth Show, held on Sunday 26th June at Well-i-Hole Farm in Greenfield.
Young people from across Oldham attended X-Factor style bootcamps to earn a place at the auditions. Judged by three young people, Rotary Club member Frank Bolger and Oldham Council music service representative Dennis Hadfield, the auditionees expressed themselves through music, singing or playing original songs they had written themselves.
Two of the twelve chosen acts that will perform at Saddleworth Show have also been selected to perform in front of a sell-out audience at Wellifest on Saturday 25th June.
Anthony Burke, Co-chair of the Wellifest and Saddleworth Show Organising Committee said
I would like to express my thanks on behalf of the Organising Committee to all those involved, especially Mahdlo, in making this happen. What started with our vision a year ago to support young people across the Borough to improve their emotional wellbeing and mental health through the medium of music has come to fruition. We can now build on that success.
Mahdlo Youth Zone is open seven days a week from our town centre hub on Egerton Street and out in the community across the entire Borough of Oldham, we exist to provide young people with opportunities to be the very best they can be.
Lucy Lees, CEO of Mahdlo Youth Zone said
Giving young people the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience is fantastic. In previous years our young performers have gained confidence and have left the stage with an increased belief in their abilities and a strong feeling of pride.
For any budding singer, band or musician that is interested in developing their talents and access to opportunities to perform for audiences in Oldham, Manchester and nationally please get in touch or jump in to one of our sessions!