Talented young music stars set for top Spree showcase

Young singer-songwriters are set for a fantastic showcase of local youth talent with Love & Money frontman James Grant.

Leading up to this year’s Spree Festival, James Grant – whose show sold-out at last year’s festival – and creative arts youth initiative Create Paisley are working with young people across Renfrewshire to produce a special concert.

The showcase is part of the Spree sessions that celebrate local talent as part of Paisley’s national festival – The Spree – which culminates in a special showcase in the Spiegeltent on Tuesday 18 October at 7.30pm.

So far eight songwriters have signed up – Rachelle and Brittany Davies, Andrew Quinn, Lisa Kowalski, David McAdam, Jordan Stewart, Emily Punton and Darren Dickson.

The Spree is part of an exciting calendar of events for Renfrewshire that supports Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.

Alan Clark from Create Paisley said: “We’re so excited to be part of this year’s Spree Festival and to be able to work alongside James Grant to offer local young people the opportunity to write songs and collaborate together. A lot of the young people involved attend our fortnightly Create Cafe at Blend on Friday nights and this is a great opportunity for them to improve their songwriting, get to know other young songwriters and showcase their talent. Opportunities like this made a big difference to the young people we work with.”

Chair of the Paisley 2021 Partnership Board, Council Leader Mark Macmillan, said: “The Spree sessions are a great opportunity for young people to get involved in Paisley’s national festival and showcase the wealth of talented young people in Renfrewshire. Culture is in Paisley’s DNA and the town’s bid for UK City of Culture in 2021 is all about harnessing our creative talents to deliver social and economic benefits for all of Renfrewshire.”

The Spree sessions include Fèis Phàislig Ceilidh Trail and Rockus Community Choir – both hosting a series of open events for people in Renfrewshire. Each session culminates with a final performance as part of The Spree festival.

Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 Bid Director, said: “Young people are great ambassadors for Paisley 2021 and it’s fantastic that there are so many opportunities in Paisley and Renfrewshire to develop the talents of young people.”

Tickets to the James Grant and Create Paisley Spree session cost £5 from boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 1210.

Young people interested in being part of Create Paisley should call 07886 554 275 or email alan@createpaisley.org.uk.

Find out more about The Spree sessions at www.thespree.co.uk/events.