REVEALED: Ness Factor 2023 contestants who will aid Highland Hospice
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Highland Hospice has revealed its 10 finalists for its annual Ness Factor singing competition.
The contestants met their new vocal coaches – Tony Henry, Katie-Louise Mackay and Fiona Forbes – who will help train up their vocals ahead of the competition in October.
Event organiser Lornagh Siegel said: “Ness Factor is such an incredible event to be involved in. I love seeing the performances on the night as our vocal coaches work their magic.
“All of our contestants also need to fundraise in the lead up to the event, so be prepared to see plenty of events, cans and buckets around as they each do their best to raise as much as they can for the hospice in support of their participation.”
This year’s contestants for the are Katie Munro, Garry Clark, Sean MacIver, Liam Christie, Joanne Ross, Belinda Paterson, Kayleigh Burnside, Jennifer Thomson, Rosalyn Paton and Kenny Steele.
Mr Steele is also the hospice's chief executive officer and Mr Christie was the competition's previous host.
“As CEO for Highland Hospice for 12 years I have done various fundraising events over the years – I still hold the Charity Mascot World Record for doing the Inverness Half Marathon as Bobby the Bee," Mr Steele said.
"However, most things have been within my comfort zone. Ness Factor is something way out of my comfort zone but I’m really looking forward to being part of a new experience. My job obviously involves seeing the difference Highland Hospice makes to people on a day-to-day basis and I am extremely proud of the work we do.”
The winner on the night will be chosen from a combination of judges scoring, individual fundraising and votes from the audience.
Mr Steele added: "I am also very aware of the money required to make it all happen which involves incredible commitment to fundraising by so many people. Ness Factor has been an amazing contribution to the hospice over the last few years and there is always a great buzz about it.
"My son is a musician so there must be some musical genes in there somewhere. I’ll be taking it seriously but if it gives other a people a laugh and helps to raise much-needed money for the work of the hospice then it will all be worth it!”
Ness Factor will take place at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on October 28.
