On Thursday, 20 June 2024, The Hermitage Academy and Helensburgh Community Council jointly hosted “Helensburgh’s Got Talent 2024”. The event was a vibrant celebration of local artistry, featuring music, song, and dance.

For nearly two hours, eleven competitors showcased their talents before an enthusiastic audience of family and friends. The show opened with Miller and Georgia’s cheeky rendition of “What I’ve Been Looking For” and concluded with an eco-friendly percussion performance by BOOM!!, a group using recycled buckets to create sustainable, funky beats.

The diverse lineup included enchanting Clarsach melodies, cover songs ranging from Chuck Berry to Taylor Swift, a soulful performance of “Wild Mountain Thyme”, and various other musical acts.

The competition awarded prizes to three outstanding performers:

1. First Prize (£100): Aidan O’Connor, a 16-year-old Hermitage Academy student, captivated the audience with his virtuoso piano performance of “Dance with Me Wallis”. Aidan has been playing piano for six years.
2. Second Prize (£75): Senara Arachchi, a 10-year-old Cardross Primary School pupil, impressed with her self-choreographed dance routine featuring impressive contortions and flexibility.
3. Third Prize (£25): Blythe Williamson, a 17-year-old Hermitage Academy student, delivered a moving performance of “Valerie” while accompanying herself on guitar. Blythe is a self-taught guitarist who has been singing since early childhood.

The Lomond Rotary Club generously provided the prizes, presented by Club President Gordon Greig. Greig highlighted opportunities for youth through Rotary programs, including the Young Musicians competition and Interact clubs for developing leadership skills.

A panel of four independent experts from the fields of song, dance, theatre, and music judged the competition.

The Helensburgh Community Council expressed gratitude to Pamela Frew, Principal Teacher for Music and Drama at Hermitage Academy, for her crucial role in organising the event.

Community Council Councillors Tariq Durrani and Nigel Millar praised the young performers, emphasising the wealth of talent within the town. They committed to providing future opportunities for local youth to showcase their abilities, recognising the importance of nurturing and supporting this artistic community.

The “Helensburgh’s Got Talent 2024” event was proudly supported by Helensburgh Community Council’s Music in the Square (MiS) initiative. Launched in 2021, MiS has become an integral part of Helensburgh’s cultural landscape, aiming to showcase local talent, enhance community engagement, and boost local businesses.

Through a £5,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s ‘Scotland Loves Local’ Fund, Music in the Square has been able to organise various successful events, including this talent competition. The initiative continues to support local musical groups and provide entertainment for key town events, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both residents and visitors. As part of its commitment to fostering local talent, MiS welcomes applications from musical and artistic groups for funding and support, further cementing Helensburgh’s position as a hub of artistic excellence. Find out more about Music in the Square and how to apply to the fund.