The T Factor 2009 Auditions

Thirty two Thamesmead residents auditioned for the fourth Trust Thamesmead annual talent contest The T Factor on Saturday, 18 April, which was held at Woolwich Polytechnic, Thamesmead.

Event organiser and Trust Thamesmead Marketing and Communications Officer Julia Hickson said: “The T Factor is a great, community event which gives Thamesmead residents the chance to get on stage and show us what they are capable of. Every year we are overwhelmed by the talent we unearth in Thamesmead and we weren't disappointed this year. In fact, I would say we uncovered more talent than ever before!”

Hosted by Andrew Sayers and judged by Joanne Marchant Head teacher of Windrush Primary School, Anne Bassi Teacher of English and Work Related Learning Coordinator at Woolwich Polytechnic, Peter Warner from Abbey Music Studios based in the grounds of Goldie Leigh hospital in Abbey Wood and Romel Holmes-Lewis a Community Development Officer at Trust Thamesmead, the day proved a huge success and the 150-strong crowd was treated to an impromptu version of the first ever T Factor winner's Bryon aka GMA (God's Most Anointed) debut single Candy Shop which is being released this summer.

Romel said: “This year's acts were of a high calibre; it was hard deciding just six winners out of the 35 performers but we decided to put forward solo singers Jerusha Frimpong, Becky Downes, Stephen Ayayi Brown and Dennese Manyasi as well as dancers Leonie Banya and Young Generation.”

The above finalists will battle it out to become the overall winner of The T Factor 2009 at the final which will be taking place at this year's Trust Thamesmead Summer Festival 2009 in Birchmere Park, Thamesmead on Saturday 11 July. With one overall winner going on to support the head-line act on the main stage and win a recording session at Abbey Music Studios.

Mick Hayes Chief Executive of Trust Thamesmead said: “Well done to everyone who took part. Getting up on stage is no easy feat. We look forward to seeing the finalists again at the festival when the overall winner will be chosen.”

Click here to view photos from the day.