Quest4Talent – Renfrewshire’s very own X Factor-style show

– is looking for talented youngsters to apply for this year’s extravaganza.

The race is on to find the next generation of singing and dancing talent in Renfrewshire

Quest4Talent – Renfrewshire’s very own X Factor-style show – is looking for talented youngsters to apply for this year’s extravaganza.

Organised by Paisley Rotary Club, the annual talent search has uncovered some hidden gems in the past – and, this year, it could be you.

The chairwoman of the competition, Diane Mitchell, said: “I am delighted that we are able to launch Quest4Talent 2014.

“It has been very hard work but it is so exciting and rewarding to see the wealth of talent that exists in Renfrewshire and the surrounding area.

“We believe that, by running this event, we are doing something positive for the young people in Paisley, giving them a chance to promote their talent.”

This year, there are six categories – vocal, instrumental, piano, dance, traditional, groups and bands, and choirs/glee clubs.

Each category is split into three age groups: seven to 11, 12 to 17 and 18 to 25.

Auditions will be held at Paisley’s Wynd Centre, and the David Lloyd health club, in Renfrew, with the finalists picked to perform on stage at Paisley Town Hall.

This year’s launch event was held at Braehead, where a large crowd gathered to watch former winners put on a show.

Jade Burke, Courtney McHarg and Rebekah Kirk all sang, while Rebekah Mitchell played the accordion.

The event was hosted by Your Radio DJ Fraser Thompson, and Diane was thrilled that it was such a success.

She said: “We received a great reception from shoppers, many of whom stopped to watch the show.

“We were also taking a collection for the restoration of the Glen Cinema Disaster memorial and that was also successful.

“This year’s show will hopefully raise even more money for the memorial, and it’s hoped that we can get close to our target of £6,000.”

In the past, Quest4Talent has raised thousands of pounds for charities such as PolioPlus and Yorkhill Children’s Hospital, as well as local charities Paisley YMCA and Paisley Caring Group.

Rebekah Mitchell, 18, a former pupil at Gleniffer High, in Paisley, is a previous winner of the instrumental category through her accordion playing.

She said: “I’ve been playing the accordion since I was six and I’ve been entering Quest4Talent since it started. It’s a great experience.”

Her mum, organiser Diane, said: “Hundreds of youngsters have entered Quest4Talent since its inception, but this year we’re hoping to make it bigger and better.”

This year’s heats will be staged at the Wynd Centre on Monday, February 17; Tuesday, February 18; and Wednesday, February 19; and at the David Lloyd Centre on Monday, February 24; Tuesday, February 25; and Wednesday, February 26.

The grand final takes place at Paisley Town Hall on Thursday, April 3.

To enter or for more details, go to the website at www.quest4talent.org.uk or phone Natalie on 0845 130 5218.

All photographs above were taken by Alex Kyle Photography.

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X