Forres Youth Concert 2021 available to watch online
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A CONCERT featuring some of the area's brightest young stars is now available to watch free online.
The 51st annual Forres Youth Concert was put together in video format by co-organiser Ewen Watson rather than the traditionally live event at Forres Town Hall because of evolving covid restrictions.
Ewen explained: "During lockdown, I proposed to the Forres Community Activities Association (FCAA) that we make the concert digital this year as we didn't know how long we’d be in lockdown at the time.
"The FCAA were open to the idea so we opened submissions via the Gazette and social media. I also contacted groups who usually perform and asked if they’d be willing to submit videos.
"It was difficult for some to participate but a lot of creativity and effort went into the videos we did get and, as restrictions eased, we pulled together some great performances.
"I edited the videos, trying to follow the format of the usual event as closely as possible."
Young acts of primary and secondary school age were welcome to take part - Dallas Primary School Forres Pipe Band Junior Drummers, Forres Academy chanter students, Rising Stars singers and Forres Taekwon-do students answered the call.
Ewen said: "All the young people who took part did an amazing job, especially with the barrier of restrictions. It's wonderful see such talents on display, from music to marital arts.
"I’m delighted that young people in Forres still had a platform to showcase their talents during the global pandemic.
"Every year, we try to find well-known figures in the community to host the event. Alex Ross hosted it several years ago so I asked him to do it this year, digitally. He introduces the acts, for which we are very grateful."
He added: "I had a bit of video editing experience so thought I’d give it a go. I’m really happy with how it turned out as I was determined to keep the event going as best I could."
The FCAA hope to host a live event at Forres Town Hall next year as restrictions allow.
"Editing this video has been a really rewarding experience," said Ewen. "I’m really thankful to all those who took part but performers deserve a full on-stage concert experience.
"However, this video represents the spirit of the live concert and I hope you enjoy it."
Watch the Forres Youth Concert at https://youtu.be/4WMYjhmrmUU