Young performers invited to take over The Big Feast stage

Young singers, dancers, musicians, poets and performers are being given the chance to step into the spotlight as part of Appetite’s Big Feast festival this year.

For the first time, Appetite is launching the Young Creatives Takeover, a new opportunity designed to celebrate and showcase emerging talent from Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area.

The initiative will give four acts aged 16 to 21 the chance to perform on the Piccadilly Stage during The Big Feast, Appetite’s free outdoor arts festival, which returns to the city centre on Friday 28 August and Saturday 29 August.

Successful applicants will receive a 10-minute performance slot on the Piccadilly Stage on Saturday 29 August, a financial contribution to support their participation and inclusion in festival marketing and promotional activity.

The Young Creatives Takeover is open to singers, dancers, musicians, spoken word artists, poets, magicians and other performers who are ready to share their talent with an audience. Previous performance experience is not essential.

Appetite assistant producer Emma Hobbs, who is coordinating the Piccadilly Stage, said:

“The Big Feast has always been about celebrating creativity and bringing people together through the arts. The Young Creatives Takeover is an exciting new opportunity to give young people a platform to share their talents, build confidence and be part of a major cultural event in their city.

“We know there is so much creative talent across the area, and we can't wait to see the range of performers that come forward. Whether someone is already performing regularly or considering stepping onto a stage for the first time, we'd encourage them to apply.”

Applications are now open and must be submitted by 11.59pm on Friday 17 July. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday 31 July.

For more information and to apply, visit appetite.org.uk/call-outs. Applicants will be asked to upload a two-minute video showcasing their performance skills.

Please note that young people aged 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult on the day of their performance.