A free gig was attended yesterday in Manchester's Gorilla by hundreds of 16 and 17 year olds from around the U.K. The event saw sets from chart toppers Rudimental and Manchester’s very own The 1975 which was part run by six teenagers who won the chance to ‘Run The Show’.
The event was created by National Citizen Service (NCS) to highlight the opportunities that they are providing for 16 and 17 year olds in the UK.
The NCS concert featured stunning performances from current number one holders Rudimental, Manchester’s The 1975, Clean Bandit and a rousing DJ set by Goldierocks for an audience from around the UK all gaining their opportunity to attend by saying ‘yes’ via facebook.com/ncs. Other guests at the concert included TV presenter Miquita Oliver and Hollyoaks actress Anna Passey. 16-17 year old music fans were also given the opportunity to apply to help ‘Run The Show’ and six winners spent the day as part of the teams behind the scenes making the event run smoothly.
The six winners were Emily Watson from Leeds who took live photos and captured all the backstage action as the photographers assistant, Kent’s Rory Middleton whose role as PR assistant gave him access to the performers as they were interviewed by the UK’s top media, Nicole Gee from Blackpool was backstage as production assistant, the event co-ordinator job was filled by Zainab Riyal Deen from Newcastle, Reece Doonan from Manchester was social media coordinator and finally, ensuring that all the acts were in the right place at the right time and made it to the stage for their performances in the role of Talent Liaison was Nagma Mohamed from London.
Over this Summer every 16-17 year-old in England has the opportunity to build skills for work and life with NCS by participating in a unique three-week experience during school holidays. They will get involved in action-packed residential time away from home where participants are able to bond with teammates over activities such as hiking, canoeing and climbing. With 30 hours of social action, NCS shows ways of developing personal and social skills as well as how to make a difference in their community through social action projects.
- NCS has tripled in size since its first full year of operation in 2011 and over 34,00 young people have already benefitted from the programme.
- Sign-up at NCSyes.co.uk for the 2013 Summer Programme, with entry fees capped at £50 and bursaries available, every young person in England has the opportunity to participate regardless of background, experience or whether their strengths lie in sport, creativity or academics.
- 16 and 17 year olds across the country can fast-track their future and get involved with NCS by visiting www.facebook.com/ncs and signing up for more opportunities in other areas including film, fashion and sport
Stephen Greene, Chairman of NCS IMB* said, “We are so thankful for all of the artists giving their time to support NCS. Music is the universal language and a great way to communicate the benefits of NCS to young people. We are also pleased to celebrate with so many graduates at the show today. In Manchester and all over England - NCS rocks!"
Nagma Mohamed from London, the ‘Run The Show’ Talent Liaison winner, said: “I have had the most amazing experience. I never thought I’d ever get the chance to work at a gig, and especially directly with the acts. It was saying yes that gave me the opportunity to do it. It just shows you have to say yes, when these few opportunities come up. Nobody should miss out on a chance to say yes to what NCS offer.”
Rudimental said: “We wanted to show young people that you can come from a tough area like us and still make something of yourself. We are performing here today because we said yes.”
Highlights from the concert will be uploaded during the event on facebook.com/ncs and will be broadcast on Channel 4. The concert was arranged to highlight the opportunities that NCS provide to 16 and 17 year-olds in the UK.
www.facebook.com/ncs Twitter: @NCS #NCSYes
