A Co Armagh teenager is set to step into the national spotlight as part of this year’s BBC Children in Need Choir – performing live on BBC One later this month.
Sixteen-year-old Amy, who lives in Co Armagh with her family and twin sister, will join 15 other children and young people from across the BBC’s nations and regions for a special medley during the Children in Need Appeal show, broadcast live from Salford on Friday, November 13, on BBC One and iPlayer.
Amy was born with Down syndrome. As she and her twin grew older and their paths began to diverge, her mum Kate wanted to find somewhere Amy could build friendships and enjoy social opportunities with other young people.
That led her to ‘Don’t Box Me In’, a BBC Children in Need-funded project – based in Keady – she has attended for the past eight years. The project offers weekly sessions where young people can explore creativity through art, drama and music in a safe, supportive environment.
Through the project, Amy has “found a place to belong”, using creative activities to express herself, build confidence and learn about issues affecting young people through accessible discussions, role play and art. She has made many friends and looks forward to attending every week.
Looking ahead to the live TV performance, Amy said: “I can’t wait to perform on stage and show everyone what we’ve been working on. It’s such a big opportunity and I’m really proud to be part of the choir.”
This year’s BBC Children in Need Choir brings together 16 children and young people, each supported by funded projects in their area. Led by renowned vocal coach and arranger Mark De-Lisser, they will perform a medley of ‘Stargazing’ by Myles Smith and ‘You’ve Got the Love’, originally by The Source featuring Candi Staton.
The choir will be joined on stage by young people from the Hallé Youth Training Choir in Manchester. The choral arrangement and backing track have been produced by Mark De-Lisser and Steve Sidwell, with accompaniment from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by David Arnold.
Executive Producer of the Appeal show, Adam Wydrzynski, said the choir moment is “always such a special” part of the night – and promised an extra emotional element this year.
“For the very first time, the choir will be joined on stage by some of the project workers who have been by their side supporting them through the challenges they have faced,” he said.
“Mark De-Lisser and his team have done a fantastic job on the musical arrangement and the children have been working so hard – I guarantee there won’t be a dry eye in the house!”
Choir Master Mark De-Lisser added: “Every year, this choir reminds me just how extraordinary young people are.
“Bringing together children and young people from projects supported by BBC Children in Need creates something far greater than a performance. Throughout rehearsals, I’ve watched confidence grow, friendships form and individual voices come together to create something truly special.
“This year’s medley of Myles Smith’s ‘Stargazing’ and ‘You’ve Got the Love’ is filled with warmth, hope and joy, and I know it will be a memorable and uplifting moment on Appeal Night.”
BBC Children in Need Chief Executive Claire Hoyle said the choir is “a wonderful celebration of the children and young people at the heart of everything we do”, and showcases the work of funded projects across the UK.
“Across the UK, BBC Children in Need-funded projects provide connection, confidence and support, ensuring young people have someone by their side when they need it most,” she said.
“This choir brings those stories to life, highlighting the local impact of that support in communities right across the country, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved for making this unforgettable experience possible.”
BBC Children in Need currently funds 89 projects in Northern Ireland, to the value of more than £5m, supporting children and young people facing a range of challenges.
This year’s live Appeal show will be hosted from MediaCityUK in Salford by Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West, featuring three hours of entertainment, fundraising totals and stories from across the UK.
Viewers can tune in from 7pm on Friday, November 13, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer to see Amy and the rest of the Children in Need Choir perform.
For more information or to donate, visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey.
