28.05.2015
A nation-wide music competition which aims to find the best new musical talent in Scotland, whilst encouraging young people to use their vote in the 2016 Holyrood election, has been launched in the Scottish Parliament.
The Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon Tricia Marwick MSP was joined by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Labour’s Leader in the Scottish Parliament Kezia Dugdale, the Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson, Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie, and Patrick Harvie, Leader of the Green Party, to announce details of Holyrood Rocks.
David Hershaw and Sandie Forbes from Fife-based contemporary folk band The Dandylions were also on hand to lend their support and to encourage bands from across Scotland to apply.
Taking place throughout October this year, the competition will comprise 8 regional heats. Heats will take place in community spaces and venues in constituencies across Scotland. The final will be staged at the Scottish Parliament on Saturday 31 October.
A panel of MSPs and industry experts will be invited to select one act from their regional heat to go through to the final and the winning act will be given the opportunity to record with Clyde 1 radio in Glasgow.
Presiding Officer, Rt. Hon Tricia Marwick MSP said:
“This competition is an exciting and innovative way to support musical talent whilst also encouraging the participation of young people in the political process.
“MSPs from across the political spectrum are delighted to be involved and I look forward to welcoming the best of Scotland’s emerging musical talent to Holyrood this October.”
The competition is organised in association with the Scottish Political and Cultural Partnership (SPCP) and also aims to raise awareness of the career opportunities available in Scotland across the creative industries and to emphasise the importance of these industries to the economy.
Fraser Paterson of The Scottish Political and Cultural Partnership commented:
“We’re delighted to have the full backing of the Scottish Parliament for what promises to be a fantastic project. We can’t wait to take Holyrood Rocks across the country, hearing the views of Scotland’s young people and encouraging them to make their voice heard.”
The new music competition has the backing of all the main political parties and is supported by Claire Baker MSP, Ruth Davidson MSP, Willie Rennie MSP and Stewart Stevenson MSP.
Background
Visit www.scottish.parliament.uk/holyroodrocks for the most up to date information on the Roctober Festival and Holyrood Rocks events and also for information on how to attend heats and the final.
The Scottish Political and Cultural Partnership is an organisation committed to promoting co-operation between Parliamentarians, the creative industries and young people.
Through its programme of events, it raises awareness of, promotes and encourages participation of young people in the creative arts and seeks to further engage young people in the political process.