Contestants line up for second Y Factor event
THE SECOND ‘Y Factor’ charity talent competition for Birmingham’s professional community has been launched.
The Y Factor is in its second year in Birmingham, and is organised by learning disability charity Mencap, which hopes to raise over £40,000 from the event.
Last year, Endless director Nick Leitch won the most votes from the 450-strong crowd with his rendition of the Frankie Valli classic, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. Andy Bird of Barclays Corporate came second with his performance of Robbie William’s Let Me Entertain You. The double act of Brendan McGeever from HBJ Gateley Wareing and Nigel Price from Begbies Traynor, finished in third place, singing The Beatles’ Back in the USSR.
For 2011, Y Factor sponsors include Clearwater Corporate Finance, Barclays Corporate, HBJ Gateley Wareing, DLA Piper, Endless, LDC and RBS.
Phil Burns, managing partner at Clearwater in Birmingham and former Y Factor contestant, said: “We are proud to support Mencap and the Y Factor in Birmingham, and look forward to a highly entertaining and successful evening. The city’s corporate finance community has a great record of supporting charity fundraising events and we guarantee that this year’s Y Factor will be even better than the last.”
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“We had nothing but positive feedback on last year’s event so we hope Birmingham’s professionals will come out in force this time round,” added Marie Brown, head of regional fundraising, North Mencap. “The contestants are eager to hit the stage and we’ve secured a great band for the event. It promises to be a fantastic night.”
Confirmed performers include professionals from DLA Piper, LDC, Barclays Corporate, Barclays Private Equity, ISIS Equity Partners, RBS, Hammonds, KPMG and HBJ Gateley Wareing.
Mencap are asking for anyone who wishes to take part as a contestant to come forward as there is still one place available. Fundraising support and advice will be given to all contestants and vocal coaching and live rehearsals will also be available.
The Y Factor 2011 will be held at the Jam House in Birmingham from 6pm on March 9th and tickets are available now for £25 per person including a hot supper. For further information, please contact Marie Brown at Mencap on 07852 184543 or email yfactor@mencap.org.uk .
