Giving it all for Ness Factor grand finale
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TICKETS are sold out for the final of a charity singing competition that will be staged in Inverness this Saturday.
After months of training and fundraising activities, the nine finalists of singing contest Ness Factor will take to the stage at the Drumossie Hotel for a night of music and fun to raise funds for Highland Hospice, which organises the event.
The thrill is kicking in for all the participants, as well as for their mentors.
Singing coach Katy-Louise Mackay said: “It’s all very exciting, we have had our first dance rehearsals for the solo performances, costumes are getting ready, I am really looking forward to it. We’ve had a couple of setbacks because of sickness but I am sure everything will be great.
“The singers have made massive improvements since we started and it’s been really interesting to work with them.”
Fellow coach Fiona Forbes said: “I am really excited. The work over the last few months has gone really well.
“There has been a dramatic rise in confidence among the participants and it has been fantastic to see them form connections between them – usually many stay in touch even after the final.”
The annual event, now at its fourth edition, generates vital funds in support of the hospice’s activities with people in need of palliative care.
Mentor and group coach Tony Henry said: “I won’t hide that all contestants are pretty nervous now, but everyone is excited and doing it for such an incredible cause means a hell of a lot to them.
“Rehearsals have gone very well so far, group sessions are usually the most relaxed and it’s on solo performances that the tension may be rising.”
He added: “Over the past four years the competition has become a bigger event and it has changed in many aspects, but that is what happens with every new concept: you tweak it as you go, and we have seen a steady improvement.”
Through their fundraising activities, contestants have raised an impressive £35,000 for the charity.
Emma Nicol, of the hospice, said: “All nine contestants have worked so hard rehearsing for the show and I’m sure they will wow the audience on the night.
“We thank them for their dedication towards their fundraising and know that the money they have raised will make such a difference to our patients and their families. Everyone at Highland Hospice is behind them on the night and wishes them the best of luck.”
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