BBC RADIO 1’S DANNI DISTON RETURNS TO CORNWALL TO COMPERE THE YT20 CELEBRATION OF YOUNG TALENT

Tickets are now on sale for YT20, a first-of-its-kind gala event staged by Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund.  Designed to ignite imaginations and inspire Cornwall’s next generation the evening will deliver an incredible showcase of homegrown talent, from musicians and singers, to dancers, sportsmen and women, scientists and creative writers.

Taking place at Hall for Cornwall on Monday 17th November, BBC Radio 1 DJ Danni Diston will return to her Cornish roots to compere the rising-star event which is being held to mark the twentieth anniversary of Young & Talented Cornwall.

As part of the exciting line-up, young performers will stage a specially commissioned dance they have created under the guidance of acclaimed Cornwall-born choreographer Theo Clinkard. In what is set to be an iconic moment, a rousing new anthem for Cornwall will also debut. Penned by aspiring writers, the words of inspiration will be sung by the Cornwall Youth Choir to music composed by Cornwall-based Jim Carey. Young & Talented Cornwall grant recipients will feature throughout the performance.  Adding yet more sparkle, there will also be special filmed messages of support from well-known people with links to Cornwall, including Dame Judi Dench, Dawn French, Will Young and former Young & Talented Cornwall grant recipient, Helen Glover.

Over the last two decades, Young and Talented Cornwall has awarded more than £500,000 to over 500 exceptionally talented individuals, helping to break down the financial, social and physical barriers so often faced by Cornwall’s gifted youngsters. The latest budding stars to benefit from the initiative, from performers and athletes to writers and innovators, will be celebrated at the one-night-only event alongside successful alumni.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall says: “Too many young people in Cornwall feel their dreams are out of reach. Held back by geography, finances, or lack of opportunity. But for the past 20 years, Young and Talented Cornwall has shown that incredible things happen when the right support meets the right spark.

“Young talent has been involved in so many aspects of our YT20 production; from the choreography and dance, to the composition and lyrics, to the films which will intersperse the performance, the art which will be on display, the photography, animation and lighting.

“Every investment in a young person stirs inspiration, creates new opportunities, and builds a brighter Cornwall for all. Whether you’re a supporter, sponsor, or dreamer yourself, YT20 is a chance to see just how powerful belief, backing, and opportunity can be.”

YT20 will begin with a vibrant procession through the streets of Truro, headed by The Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Mayor of Truro and followed by a collective of past and present Young & Talented Cornwall recipients, led by the St Austell Youth Brass Band.  The colourful parade will represent the power of pushing boundaries and celebrate the opportunities available in Cornwall, finishing at the doors of the Hall for Cornwall. An immersive experience coordinated by Tate St Ives in partnership with young artists will add another dimension to the spectacular. Inspired by the Barbara Hepworth Museum, the sound and photography installation will chart the triumphs of Young & Talented Cornwall alumni and provide a behind-the-scenes view of the incredible work that has gone into bringing YT20 to life.

To support the staging of YT20, Arts Council England has awarded Young & Talented Cornwall a £19,000 project grant, made possible by the National Lottery. The event is also generously sponsored by Cornish Metals and St Eval, and supported by Hall for Cornwall and Screen Cornwall.

Tickets start from £30 per person. Book at www.hallforcornwall.co.uk