London teenagers will be battling it out with music, drama and music this weekend at the XLP Arts Showcase final this Saturday July 3rd at the Mermaid Theatre.
Youth and schools charity, XLP, will host the twelfth Annual Arts Showcase final providing a platform for young people to use their talents to speak out against youth crime and the too often negative stereotyping of young people.
Speaking at the event will be new Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes MP and Anti Youth Violence Campaigner Grace Idowu, who will present an award in honour of her late son David who was killed in a youth crime incident during 2008 in Southwark.
The top four acts from each of the schools heats held across Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets Greenwich & Bexley will come together to showcase their skills in dance, drama and music, born out of their experiences, many with hard hitting messages.
More than simply an X-Factor style talent competition, the Arts Showcase is a platform for young people to use their talents in a positive way and communicate what is happening in their lives through the media of the arts.
“The streets have changed since we were young, full of hatred that once was love, turn the best of us to thugs…I’m a child of war†– Song Lyrics from showcase finalists Mixed Opinions
Running for more than a decade, the Showcase coincides with the release of the book “Fighting Chance: Tackling Britain’s Gang Culture†by XLP’s CEO Patrick Regan and the accompanying, youth geared website, www.FightingChance.me, providing support and information for young people trying to avoid the reach of gang culture.
Speaking ahead of the event, Simon Hughes – MP for Southwark and Bermondsey said: “There is always huge talent in young people around us…It often just needs to be encouraged and recognised.â€
Patrick Regan, CEO of XLP, added: “The showcase is an effective way of empowering and engaging young people. Young people express themselves eloquently when allowed to use their own words and music. We have received such positive feedback from parents and teachers.’â€
XLP is a youth and schools Charity that works with young people on estates and secondary schools to empower them to make wise lifestyle choices. To find out more visit: www.xlp.org.uk
The XLP South East London Arts Showcase Final will take place on Saturday 3rd July at:
The Mermaid Theatre,
Puddle Dock,
Blackfriars,
LONDON
EC4V 3DB
XLP warmly invites you to attend the evening, which starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available on the door, £5.00.
For more information about the showcase or the XLP contact us on 0207 277 9726 or e-mail arts@xlp.org.uk.