Ilfracombe talent fest to raise awareness for mental health

A North Devon charity dedicated to mental health support is hosting a talent competition this February to raise awareness for young people's mental wellbeing.

Spark UK, a community interest company (CIC) founded by young people in Ilfracombe, will be hosting the first-ever Ilfracombe Talent Fest on Friday, February 21. 

The event, sponsored by Philip J Milton & Company Plc, aims to ‘spark’ a conversation about mental health and provide a platform for local talent.

The event will feature 12 acts and a variety of entertainment from 6pm until midnight at North Devon Resort, located on Marlborough Road in Ilfracombe. 

The talent show will allow the audience to vote for their favourite performers, with winners determined by audience votes for first, second, and third place. 

Food will be available on-site, and tickets are priced at £5 per person. 

They can be purchased in advance at TicketTailor or on the door.

The talent competition marks Spark UK’s first major event, and it comes as the organisation prepares to become a registered charity. 

Established at the height of the Covid pandemic by Conor Warren and his friends, Spark UK aims to raise awareness and foster conversations about mental health. 

The organisation has grown rapidly, reaching over 300 schools across the country, including most of the schools in North Devon.

Conor, now CEO of the Spark UK, said: “We do as much as we can to raise awareness and ‘spark the conversation’ about mental health and to get as many people talking about it as possible.

“The Talent Fest should be a great night and provide an opportunity for some of Ilfracombe’s hidden stars to shine, but also it’s a great platform for us to highlight the work of Spark and the still hidden mental health issues that so many face and especially younger people.”

The resources Spark UK provides are especially appreciated by young people, who say the materials are relevant and relatable, created by people their own age. 

Teachers also praise the simplicity and effectiveness of the resources in helping students navigate mental health issues.

Philip Milton, Managing Director, added: “We have supported Spark UK before and the excellent work they do is hugely beneficial in supporting young people through a difficult time in their lives.

“We hope as many people as possible will go along to enjoy Ilfracombe

Talent Fest and support their favourite performers.”

Tickets for Ilfracombe Talent Fest are available for £5, with doors opening at 6pm on February 21.

For TicketTailor you can purchase tickets here: https://buytickets.at/sparkuk1/1533443