Youth Beatz prepares to welcome Stavros Flatley
Written by admin on June 14, 2012
Organisers of Youth Beatz announced today that Britain’s Got Talent stars STAVROS FLATLEY will be the daytime act at the event this year. Following news that Alexandra Burke will be headlining, thousands of young people are expected to flock to Dock Park, Dumfries on Saturday 15 September to attend Scotland’s largest free youth/music event.
When father and son act Stavros Flatley ran on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo for the Britain’s Got Talent auditions, nobody could predict what was to come. They became an overnight sensation, and were many people’s favourite to win the show.
It all started when Demetri owned a Greek restaurant in North London. The food was notoriously bad, but the cabaret performances were legendary. It was at the restaurant that Demetri developed the Stavros Flatley character.
He eventually closed the restaurant to start a successful career in the electrical business, but when he saw an advert for Britain’s Got Talent auditions, he decided to dust off the leather trousers and give it a go. This time however, his son Lagi told him he wanted to join him. They had never performed together before, but decided to give it a go.
At the auditions they wowed the judges, Simon Cowell admitting they were one of his ‘favourite ever dance acts’. Turning in hilarious, infectious performances of Cry of The Celts, Lord of The Dance, and Zorba The Greek, with Amanda Holden admitting they were her personal favourites. They went on to reach the final of series 3, appearing in front of 19 million viewers and finished narrowly behind winners Diversity and runner up Susan Boyle. Stavros Flatley will entertain crowds with a mid-afternoon, main stage performance followed by a meet and greet session with members of the audience.
Youth Beatz was created in partnership with and at the request of young people. Youth Beatz 2011 attracted a capacity audience of 12,000 people.
Nithsdale Area Committee contributed towards the cost of Youth Beatz. Chair of the Committee, Councillor Gill Dykes, said, “Nithsdale Area Committee felt it was important to support this interactive event for young people aged 12-25 years. As well as having fun and enjoying performances from major music artists, they can take part and be better informed about relevant issues, services and opportunities. Youth Beatz 2012 has been designed to encourage civic pride and encourage young people to be fully involved in their community. I am delighted at the line up so far and congratulate the staff and young people on all their efforts.
A young person from the events team involved in organising the event said; “We are delighted to have secured Stavros Flatley as our daytime act. As the full line up becomes clearer, we think there will be something that appeals to most people.”
Now in its fourth year, the award winning event is managed through a partnership led by Dumfries and Galloway Council and is part funded by Nithsdale Area Committee. Funding for the event has been secured from Young Start Lottery Fund, Stagecoach and Magnox.
Organisers have promised there are more acts to be announced in the coming weeks. Youth Beatz 2012 remains free to enter, although tickets will be required and can be obtained from www.youthbeatz.co.uk
