Retail Trust Launch National Search For A Star Campaign

30/09/2009

Retail Trust, the principal charity of the retail sector, is launching Retail Trust Search For A Star a nationwide talent competition supported by some of the biggest names in the retail industry, alongside top showbiz personalities.

Open to everyone who works or has worked in the retail industry, Retail Trust’s Search for a Star will be scouring the country to find the best singers, dancers, comedians and other talent acts in the UK.

The Auditions Roadshow will be touching down on weekends from 31st October until the 14th November at X-Leisure Centres - Xscape Braehead (nr Glasgow), Xscape Castleford (nr Leeds), Xscape Milton Keynes and Brighton Marina, and the independent O2 Finchley Road, NW3, will play host for the London auditions.

As well as performing in front of 1,100 major retailers at the prestigious Retail Trust London Ball at Grosvenor House on 25th January 2010, the four finalists will receive A-list celebrity treatment - have a style makeover, be featured in the Sunday Express and OK! Magazine, perform at the OK! Christmas Party, plus win a selection of fantastic prizes. The winner will also win a trip to Monaco and the chance to be taken on the books of one of the world's most successful entertainment agencies CAA, which works with The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent's finalists.

Sir Philip Green, Owner of Arcadia and BHS says, “Retail Trust Search For A Star is going to be a real celebration and I hope that all retailers will join together supporting this campaign to showcase the talent we have in our industry. Judging from what I see on the shop floor, I’m sure there’ll be an abundance of stars willing to take to the stage.”

TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, a judge of the competition comments: “Retail Trust Search For A Star is going to be great fun. I'm honoured to be one of the judges. Deciding who goes through is not going to be easy I'm sure, but I'll be looking for acts that have star quality.”

Theo Paphitis, Boss of Ryman Stationery and judge for the contest says, “Business should be about making money, having fun and not forgetting to make money. The same goes for charity - Retail Trust Search For A Star will bring fun to the shop floor and raise funds for Retail Trust. That’s why I delighted to be involved.”

A panel of judges, including music industry experts and celebrities will be present at the Auditions Roadshow and account for 50% of the votes. The other 50% will be judged by the public who will choose the top four acts to perform live at the Retail Trust London Ball and be in with a chance to win the unique talent contest.

Other confirmed judges include Joseph Kentish, A&R Manager at Universal’s Mercury Records; new mum and talented recording artist Mel C who is about to star in the West End's Blood Brothers; Blue's Antony Costa; Loose Woman and accomplished stage performer Zoe Tyler who's currently performing the songs of Eva Cassidy in Over the Rainbow; stand-up comedian, impressionist and singer Kate Robbins, plus ex Atomic Kitten and winner of BBC1's Celebrity Master Chef Liz McClarnon.

One of the first entries to Retail Trust’s Search for a Star competition are 21 year old Twins, Fran and Nicola Gleadall, who work in Morrisons and were runners up in Andrew Lloyd Webber's BBC1 search for talent to sing his song in this year's Eurovision contest.

Nigel J L Rothband, CEO of Retail Trust says, “We know there's an abundance of talent in retail and we can't wait to see the battle of the stores commence. It will be great for the performers to have, not just their families and friends, but their work colleagues and companies rooting for them in the competition. Plus, of course we do want to raise awareness about Retail Trust and let everyone in retail know that we are there when they need or their families need us.

Given the recent changes in retail it is vital retail workers know about the various services we offer, including our free, confidential and independent Helpline 0808 801 0808, access to hardship grants and a range of other services. We also want to give the sector something to celebrate and smile about!”

For further information on Retail Trust Search For A Star please visit www.retailtrustsearchforastar.com Closing date for entries is the 26th October 2009.

T&C's and How to Enter

For information, terms and conditions and find out how to get an application form visit www.retailtrustsearchforastar.com . The competition is open to people who work in or have worked in a retail environment including leisure retail of all ages over 16 from the UK and Republic of Ireland (50% of the act needs to be working in retail or has worked in retail at some stage - this includes Saturday jobs).Entries must be completed using the official Retail Trust Search For A Star application form which is available to download from www.retailtrustsearchforastar.com or by calling 0208 358 7243. Each entry much include a recording of the artist’s performance (You Tube clip, recorded DVD, MP3 or any other audio visual file). Additional live heat venues may be added.

The live grand final will take place at the annual Retail Trust London Ball, 25th January 2010, at Grosvenor House, London, where the four finalists will perform and the overall winner will be announced.

The judge’s decision is final on all elements of the competition.

Back To News & Views