Horsforth's got talent (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Horsforth's got talent

October 7, 2009 12:00 AM

Photos include the Horsforth Cllrs the Chairman of Horsforth Town Council, Jude Arbuckle and a group of students receiving the Leeds Youth Award.

A group of talented young people from Horsforth were awarded the Leeds Youth Award for participating in a video performance at a two week International Artistic Residency (IAR) in Lille.

A presentation evening held at the The Mechanics Institute in Horsforth celebrated the achievements of young people who had completed projects in their spare time.

Nine students participated in a range of activities like street dancing, dance and drama, DJing and VJing. The workshops were facilitated by professional artists and groups.

At the end of the two weeks the students held a final production showcasing their talents and all the skills they learnt during the workshops. The aim of the project was to promote social and cultural understanding between young people from different countries.

Youth workers Parvez Aziz and Joy Gilleard agreed the project had been a huge success and has provided all the young people with a wonderful experience to treasure for the rest of their lives.

Parvez Aziz (Youth Worker, Leeds Youth Service) said:

"They excelled at DJing mixing skills like professionals on stage, the girls dancing and drama performance was awesome and the VJing provided thought provoking still images that were projected throughout the show.

"As part of the production every young person provided a pre-recorded audio 'slam' poetry reading about their dreams and aspirations, this was done in their native tongue and then in the language of the other two countries and presented alongside still photo clips which were played during the performance.

Cllr Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) who attended the presentation with fellow Horsforth councillors Brian Cleasby and Deputy Mayor Andrew Barker said:

"We were delighted to attend the evening and celebrate the achievements of young people in Horsforth. I think young people do get a lot of bad press but this is a prime example of how conscientious and dedicated they are.

"They want to get on and learn new skills and by getting the Leeds Youth Award their talents have been recognised on a local level as well as internationally. Well done to everyone who won awards."