In the spotlight: The launch of Star Search at the Old Grey Mare pub, Cottingham Road. From left, singer David Barton, with sponsors and organisers, Andy Jennison, Suzie Mason, Suzanne Donkin, Russell Donkin, Dave Norman and Vicky Norman.
Today, the Mail launches Star Search, our new competition designed to uncover a new leading light from Hull or the East Riding. We want to hear from talented singers, undiscovered songwriters and musicians and bands looking for their big break.
The competition will be held in Hull, with winners and finalists taking away a host of top prizes."We want something different, something fresh and someone with genuine raw talent", said Russell Donkin, from Newlands Entertainment Agency. The company is one of the sponsors for the competition. His wife Suzanne said: "We wanted to get involved because pubs and clubs are struggling and that affects us as agents and
as singers."Music is very important for the city. When we perform in other
areas, people always remark that they must put something in the water in
Hull.
The competition isn't about finding someone who fits the mould – we're after individuals."The couple have been singing on the club scene for years – performing in a trio known as Triple Exposure and now as the duo Exit .Russell said: "It is unfortunate a lot of people who are talented feel they have to move away to Manchester and Leeds because there isn't enough work here.
"Hopefully, this will turn things around a bit and show off Hull."Also sponsoring our event is Flaming Grill – which has a number of pubs in the area. Two of them – the Old Grey Mare in
"It goes to show you can start out from anywhere and still get to the top."
Heats will be held at pubs and clubs across Hull and each one will be covered by the Mail.Our finalists will then perform in front of a panel of top judges and hundreds of supporters and fans.
The pressure will be on as they bid to win our £1,000 cash prize and a professional photo- shoot with Topcolour in Hessle Road.
The contest's auditions and final will be hosted by compere Dave Norman who writes regularly for the Mail and is well-known on the music circuit. Dave said: "I would like to see more people coming forward who may not have performed in front of an audience before.
"There could be some really talented people out there who have just performed in their bedroom and watched their mates on stage while keeping quiet.
As well as being in with the chance of winning £1,000, performers can take part in the competition knowing their £3 entry fee will be going to a worthy cause.The money raised from Star Search will be donated to Dove House Hospice's Love You 2 Appeal.
Appeal manager Pauline Speed said: "We're delighted the Mail is continuing to support our charity. "The appeal is nearing the £1 million mark, which is really exciting for us."Anything we can do to bring in revenue and raise awareness is great."We really appreciate it."It is also nice to be involved with something from the very beginning – this is a totally new venture for everyone. For your entry form or details as to how you can enter the competition, call Emma or Katie on 01482 3151514.. during office hours...
"Pictured below, Lee Lambert and K T Star winners of this competition in 2010 and 2011The Hull Daily Mail Talent Trail
Today, the Mail launches Star Search, our new competition designed to uncover a new leading light from Hull or the East Riding. We want to hear from talented singers, undiscovered songwriters and musicians and bands looking for their big break.
The competition will be held in Hull, with winners and finalists taking away a host of top prizes."We want something different, something fresh and someone with genuine raw talent", said Russell Donkin, from Newlands Entertainment Agency. The company is one of the sponsors for the competition. His wife Suzanne said: "We wanted to get involved because pubs and clubs are struggling and that affects us as agents and
as singers."Music is very important for the city. When we perform in other
areas, people always remark that they must put something in the water in
Hull.
The competition isn't about finding someone who fits the mould – we're after individuals."The couple have been singing on the club scene for years – performing in a trio known as Triple Exposure and now as the duo Exit .Russell said: "It is unfortunate a lot of people who are talented feel they have to move away to Manchester and Leeds because there isn't enough work here.
"Hopefully, this will turn things around a bit and show off Hull."Also sponsoring our event is Flaming Grill – which has a number of pubs in the area. Two of them – the Old Grey Mare in
"It goes to show you can start out from anywhere and still get to the top."
Heats will be held at pubs and clubs across Hull and each one will be covered by the Mail.Our finalists will then perform in front of a panel of top judges and hundreds of supporters and fans.
The pressure will be on as they bid to win our £1,000 cash prize and a professional photo- shoot with Topcolour in Hessle Road.
The contest's auditions and final will be hosted by compere Dave Norman who writes regularly for the Mail and is well-known on the music circuit. Dave said: "I would like to see more people coming forward who may not have performed in front of an audience before.
"There could be some really talented people out there who have just performed in their bedroom and watched their mates on stage while keeping quiet.
As well as being in with the chance of winning £1,000, performers can take part in the competition knowing their £3 entry fee will be going to a worthy cause.The money raised from Star Search will be donated to Dove House Hospice's Love You 2 Appeal.
Appeal manager Pauline Speed said: "We're delighted the Mail is continuing to support our charity. "The appeal is nearing the £1 million mark, which is really exciting for us."Anything we can do to bring in revenue and raise awareness is great."We really appreciate it."It is also nice to be involved with something from the very beginning – this is a totally new venture for everyone. For your entry form or details as to how you can enter the competition, call Emma or Katie on 01482 3151514.. during office hours...
"Pictured below, Lee Lambert and K T Star winners of this competition in 2010 and 2011The Hull Daily Mail Talent Trail