By Alana Mitchelson
CHILDREN eager to showcase their talent in the public arena will have the opportunity to perform on stage in Bunyip next month.
In the third annual Kids X Factor contest, children aged five to 15 will compete in one of three categories – singing, dancing or entertainment – accompanied by ’Mr Music’ youth worker John Veluso with compere councillor Graeme Moore.
Bunyip and District Community House co-ordinator Davina Veenstra said the event was an opportunity for children to build their confidence in performing on stage.
“We have kids perform as individuals, groups, trios and duos. Usually there’s a good mix,“ Ms Veenstra said.
“It’s an opportunity for children to give it a go and show what they can do.
“Last year’s event was a very well attended with parents, relatives and friends of performers filling the hall. We attracted performers from as far out as Morwell.
“In previous years, some of these young kids have blown people away with their talent.”
Last year’s winner, Megan Carew performed an acoustic version of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’.
The 15-year-old went on to perform at last year’s Bunyip Christmas Carols and has been invited to this year’s Kids X Factor as a special guest performer.
Seven-year-old Ava Rose Houben-Carter received a runner-up prize for her performance of ’Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ’Cups Song’.
Second runner-up was a tap dancing trio from Longwarry Primary School consisting of sisters Tiarnee and Chloe Browney, and Lilly-Rae McDonald who performed a tap routine to the song ’Dear Future Husband’.
Judges Jo Simpson, Jen Cunneen and Amanda Wicks, each from the creative arts industry, will select a winner and two runners-up.
Bunyip Kids X Factor is at 2pm on Saturday 22 October at Bunyip Hall.
For more information, contact Bunyip and District Community House on 5629 5877.
Bunyip & District Community House has been operating for 14 years and hosts a weekly Butterfly Dance class every Monday at 9.30am at the hall.
