A sell-out charity show in Newport has raised £2,315 for Daisy Chains IW Children’s Charity, with 26 volunteers giving up their time to make the fourth annual Stars in Their Eyes event another fundraising success.
Held at the Riverside Centre in October, the popular show attracted a capacity audience for the fourth consecutive year, with local performers taking to the stage as some of the biggest names in music.
This year’s chosen charity was Daisy Chains IW Children’s Charity, which supports children and families across the Isle of Wight, including helping to make wishes come true for seriously ill youngsters.
The event also provided a financial boost to the Riverside Centre, itself a charity, through bar takings generated on the night.
Anthony, who co-hosted the show, has said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to have raised much-needed funds for the Daisy Chains IW charity.
“It’s also wonderful that our sell-out audience has helped support the Riverside Centre through its bar takings for the fourth year running.
Article continues below this advertisement “So, in a way, it’s a double whammy, with two charities benefiting from one fantastic evening.”
Inspired by the television programme Stars in Their Eyes, the event saw local people transform themselves into famous singers, complete with costumes, choreography and special effects.
This year’s line-up featured performances inspired by Amy Winehouse, Ali Campbell, Mick Hucknall, Bishop Briggs, Tina Turner, Michael Stipe, Pete Burns, Shirley Bassey, Linda Perry and George Michael.
All of the contestants were taking part for the first time, with many having little previous performing experience beyond karaoke. The singers were joined on stage by the STAR DANCERS, led by the show’s choreographer Steph Hyde.
Behind the scenes, a team of 26 volunteers worked to bring the production together, with nobody receiving payment for their involvement.
Several members of the team also contributed hundreds of pounds of their own money towards the production.
Technical director Paul Anthony, who has years of experience in the entertainment industry, dedicated more than 500 hours to creating the show’s visual effects and technical production.
Debbie, who also co-hosted the evening, has said:
“What Paul has achieved this year has been incredible. I know he’s had many sleepless nights putting together some of the most amazing screen effects.
“It was truly spectacular, and it’s one of those things you really had to be there to appreciate. Absolutely amazing!”
The performers also committed weeks to preparing for the event, including time in the dance rehearsal studio followed by a further 6 weeks of rehearsals.
Frankie, a member of the production team and the show’s box office manager, has said:
“The support we’ve received this year has been overwhelming, and it’s heartening to see so many people giving their time and energy to such worthy causes.
“Without the production team working behind the scenes, the show simply wouldn’t happen. The professionalism this year was the best I’ve ever experienced, with incredible lighting, sound and special effects.”
Organisers say the event is about more than fundraising, giving ordinary people the chance to build confidence, make friendships and fulfil their dreams of performing on stage.
Daisy Chains IW has now received a cheque for £2,315, marking another successful year for the volunteer-led production.
The event has now achieved 4 consecutive sell-out shows, raising thousands of pounds for local charities along the way.
