"Stars in our Valley"
and not a firework in sight !

The biggest stars in our valley over the bonfire night period were definitely in the Rhondda Fach. Having rehearsed for weeks and months, young people became the real "Stars In Our Valley" displaying their singing, dancing and music skills before a live audience.

The event, which took place at the Rhondda Fach sports centre in Tylorstown, was a sell out, with a crowd of over 400. Over 80 budding young performers aged between 8 and 25 took to the stage and performed original song and dance routines, along with a live band. Jessica Jenkins who reached the last 15 of the recent X Factor compered the event and also performed a few songs. The showcase saw 16 separate acts take to the stage with a programme of rock, pop, and dance, with local bands such as "Wiggle with a Jiggle", Rhondda Rockers and All that Jazz, there was quite a mix of talent on display.

A young performer from Maerdy commented that "I hated my voice, but with practice it sounds better and I also learnt great dance moves. I also made new friends and learned to sing and dance. On the night I had butterflies but now I am more confident."

The opening song and finale were especially written and performed by all the performers at the event, and these two song titles reinforced that young people can be "stars in our valley" and that they have "hope for the future."

Alongside the performance, local young people also contributed to the technical side of the show, working with cameras and the mixing desk. Images from rehearsals and the showcase will be included on a "Stars In Our Valley" DVD, which will be produced after the show, hopefully before Christmas.

The young people were supported by community organizations from across the Rhondda Fach, including Communities First Partnerships from Maerdy, Tylorstown, Penrhys and Pontygwaith, along with Arts Factory and Blaenllechau Community Regeneration, have been assisting young people to polish their performance skills.

The "Stars In Our Valley" talent search has been funded by Communities First, the Community Regeneration Fund, Creative Communities, The Princes Trust Cymru, Arts Factory, Blaenllechau Community Regeneration and Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Costains.