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• East Herts singer takes Pop Luck trophy

Introduction

June 4, 2008 A bright music career could be in store for East Herts resident Anna Sinfield after winning the final of the Pop Luck inter-district music competition at Hertford's Castle Hall last Friday.

The 15-year-old from Aspenden, who attends St Christopher's School in Letchworth, beat more than 100 applicants and 15 finalists from East Herts, Broxbourne and Stevenage to take the trophy, which was presented by East Herts Council chairman Diane Hollebon.

She wowed the judges with her own composition 'Broken Hearted Song' - and DJ Steve Folland, who hosted the event, invited her to perform on his Hertbeat FM breakfast show this week. As part of her prize, she'll enjoy a recording session at Hertford's Graphic Nature Studios and a photoshoot at Ray Lowe Studios in Cheshunt.

Each district also had an extra prize given for audience votes - in East Herts, Presdales student and Ware resident Rebecca Finnis, 15, took the East Herts vote with her rendition of Christina Aguilera's 'Hurt'.

Now in its fifth year, Pop Luck is a hugely popular music competition for young people across the area. Originally started by East Herts Council, it's proved so successful that Broxbourne Borough Council soon joined in and this year Stevenage Borough Council also entered.

Linda Haysey, Executive member for Community Development, Leisure and Culture at East Herts said: "This was a fantastic evening, one of the best shows yet. Pop Luck is a great opportunity for young people to be given industry advice and a platform to perform in front of a large audience.

"It's really important to promote young local talent and plans are already underway to build on the success of this year's show with new projects in the future."

ENDS

Notes for editors:

In second place was Marissa Moore, 15, with her rendition of the Pussycat Dolls single 'Buttons'. Marissa lives in Hoddesdon and attends St Mary's High School in Cheshunt.

The other districts' audience prizes went to:

• Broxbourne: Catch 22 performing 'Another Day' by Lemar. Catch 22 is made up of St Mary's students Tom Prior, 15, from Enfield and Daniel Crawley, 17, from Cheshunt.
• Stevenage: Triple Act performing 'Black and Gold' by Sam Sparrow. Triple Act comprises sisters Robyn, 16, Jessica, 15 and Harriet Hills, 12. Formerly of Stevenage and now living in Hoddesdon, they all attend Presdales.

This year's judges were:

• Kristy Lowe, manager of Ray Lowe Studios in Cheshunt, which is supporting Pop Luck for the fifth consecutive year.
• Chris Frost, musician and manager of Graphic Nature Ltd recording studios in Hertford.
• Nuala O'Halpin, the well-known Hertford singer who has appeared at a number of local festivals and has three albums available on Caitlin records.
• Harry Rintoul from East Herts Youth Council which also funds the Pop Luck competition.
• Samara Stanton, co-founder of Inspirational Arts and T*Sta Entertainment, which works with East Herts, Broxbourne and Stevenage Councils to produce the event.

Photos are available, if you would like copies, please contact Communications.

Further questions about East Herts singer takes Pop Luck trophy

e: nick.white@eastherts.gov.uk

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