Spotlight will be on young talent at TEDxLukelyBrook

By IW Observer.co.uk Feb 19, 2022

Further details have been announced about TEDxLukelyBrook, taking place on March 2, with a live audience in the Anthony Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts in Newport.

Some of the activities planned will highlight the achievements of the Island’s young people, including 19-year-old singer songwriter, Beth Brookfield, currently studying at Platform One College of Music. Beth has composed and will perform, ‘If not now, when?’ specially written by her for the event.

Beth made her festival debut at The Isle of Wight Festival last year and has also supported American singer, Arielle, and James Walsh, frontman of English post-Britpop band Starsailor. She said: “Having an opportunity like this at 19 is really exciting and as a songwriter ‘If not now, when?’ was such a great title to write a song about.
“I really wanted to capture the motivational side of the saying without neglecting the reality that everyone struggles sometimes with procrastination or the fear of working towards their biggest goals. That is why this event is going to be beneficial to so many, and I hope my song enhances that.”

Whilst the talks take place in the main theatre, a dedicated watch party will be held simultaneously the other side of the Medina in the Riverside Centre. Due to demand from across the Island’s schools and colleges, capacity for the watch party has been doubled to 200 across the day. In addition to students watching the TEDtalks live, speakers will also visit the Riverside Centre to talk to the young people gathered, and directly answer any questions that come from their TEDtalks.

David Thornton, CEO of Ed-Wise, which delivers the Young Enterprise Company programme on the Island, said: “We get to see how teams of young people are inspired, dynamic, creative and driven to take ideas forward and turn them into a viable business. We are excited to be part of this event, to add another rung on this ladder of developing talent amongst our young people to be the community and business leaders of tomorrow.”

The event organisers have also been working with the 4Ps radio training school, which uses the ingredients of radio to help young people become more confident versions of themselves, giving them a better opportunity for a brighter future. Students will be interviewing the TEDxLukelyBrook speakers throughout the day, which include former CNN anchor and Emmy award-winning journalist, Gina London, and paralympian, Will Perry.