Hackney’s positive young people in the spotlight at talent showcase

PERFORMERS spread a positive message about youth in Hackney this weekend at an annual talent showcase standing up against gun and knife crime.

PERFORMERS spread a positive message about youth in Hackney this weekend at an annual talent showcase standing up against gun and knife crime.

The Robert Levy Foundation, set up following the murder of the 16-year-old near Hackney Town Hall in 2004, held an afternoon of song, dance and inspirational speeches at the Hackney Empire on Saturday (September 18).

Among the young stars on the stage for the sixth annual show were drumming troupe Bigga Bloco, carnival art group Tropical Isles based in Stoke Newington Church Street and singers Mis-understood.

Fashion fiends also hit the catwalk in a range of weird and wonderful designs.

Meanwhile Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, vicar of United Benefice of Holy Trinity with St Philip Church in Beechwood Road, Dalston, and All Saints in Haggerston Road, gave a speech to the Empire’s packed out auditorium along with Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe and Robert’s parents Ian and Patricia Levy.

Ian said: “The aim was two-fold - to counteract the negative stereotypes of Hackney and young people in Hackney, and to keep the message of the devastation of gun and knife crime at the forefront of the community so everybody can be involved in taking a stand against it.”