Local superstar Channy Thompson has said how much she is looking forward to seeing some of North Tyneside’s youngest and brightest performers in action.
And this year, Channy will be a part of the event’s judging panel, as well as showing off her own talents with a special guest performance.
Soundfest invites North Tyneside’s youngest and brightest bands and singers to take the stage in front of a panel of expert judges and hundreds of young people.
The event has been orchestrated by North Tyneside’s Young Mayor Amelie Ferris, in partnership with North Tyneside Music Education Hub (NTMEH).
Speaking ahead of the event, Channy said: “I’m really looking forward to Soundfest because it is something a little bit different. I’m involved in quite a lot of competitions but it’s not often competitions have this impact where the prize is so big and could have an impact on someone’s life and career.
“The main thing I would say to anybody is to just enjoy it. Work hard but don’t work so hard to the point where you can’t enjoy what you are doing and don’t ever lose that passion because there’s nothing more magical than standing on stage and if you start losing that then there’s no point in being there.”
This year’s event is being held outside the iconic Spanish City Dome in Whitley Bay on Saturday July 6, 2019 between 11.30am and 5.00pm.
On the day, an expert judging panel will choose one winning band or soloist, who will then go on to play at the prestigious Mouth of the Tyne Festival, sharing the bill with world-renowned artists such as Rick Astley, The Proclaimers, Jack Savoretti and Sam Fender.
When asked what she will be looking for as a judge, Channy said: “I’m going to be looking for quite a few things – I’m not the harshest judge in the world! For me it is someone who stands on stage and I can pick them up and put them where they are playing to thousands and they are confident and they are ready.
“I’m going to be looking for individuality, somebody who can make me inspired to want to get up there after them – and that’s something really hard.
“A lot of people can sing and a lot of people can perform but having that interaction with a person or an audience is a thing you can’t teach.”
Channy continued: “This building (Spanish City) is absolutely incredible. It will be an experience for me and it will be nice to do something that’s a little bit different and out of my comfort zone.”
Soundfest is free of charge for anyone to attend, and will be held outside Spanish City Dome on Saturday 6 July between 11.30am-5.00pm. Follow @NTMEHUK on Twitter and @soundfest2019 on Instagram for updates.
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