Youngsters from Pop Academy – based opposite the Brickworks Centre – take part in the show

MORE than 250 people packed into Brickworks Community Centre on Saturday for its first-ever Christmas talent showcase.

The event was the brainchild of Chris Howe, an Islington resident, who wanted to highlight the borough’s musical talent.

Mr Howe pitched the idea to Colin Adams MBE, director of Brickworks Community Centre, who quickly agreed to host.

And the show proved a resounding success.

“We were overwhelmed by the turnout,” said Mr Adams.“Two-hundred-and-fifty people turned up, on a Saturday, for a four-hour talent show, in a blizzard!

“The show hit a nerve with people. They loved it.”

Chris Howe (left) with Colin Adams

All participants of the talent show were from Islington, which was important for Mr Adams.

He said: “I always wanted to do an event which showcases local talents. No age group, no age restrictions.

“We wanted people that had a talent and to give them an opportunity to showcase it.”

The talent-show winner was 12-year-old Jayden, who wowed the audience with a soul number. The runner-up spots were claimed by two young Michael Jackson impersonators. “They were so good we couldn’t split them,” said Mr Adams.

The organisers also partnered with Laurence Hobbs, director of Pop Academy, a music school for children aged six to 16 located just opposite Brickworks on Crouch Hill. Pop Academy provides children with hands-on experience in song writing, recording, and performance.

MP Jeremy Corbyn with one of two young Michael Jackson impersonators at the talent show

A 30-minute showcase by Pop Academy members opened the talent show.

“They were fantastic,” said Mr Adams. “I wanted to promote the Pop Academy as well as I could.

“Around this area, there’s not a lot for young people, and what there is, costs a lot of money. It was important to showcase Pop Academy and their talents to show the community what they can get involved with.”

Plans for a repeat next year? “Absolutely,” said Mr Hobbs.

“Our children at the Pop Academy had an amazing time at the talent show performing songs they had written,” he said. “The fact there were over 250 people there shows the community coming together and supporting each other.

“We’re looking forward to making it bigger next year and open to more people.”