Youngsters took centre stage for a talent contest at the weekend, which was based on an anti-crime and drugs theme.
‘Highfields Got Talent’ saw 18 participants battling it out on Saturday (September 22) to win the top prize of an iPad 3, which was won by overall winner Boston Williams, 18, for his poetry piece on crime.
Speaking about the win, Boston said: “I can’t believe that I won. I am so grateful to Crimestoppers and looking forward to their future events.”
Winners of the other categories all received £200 worth of vouchers. Gift Douglas, 20, came first in the dance category, Ayesha Brown, 17, scooped up the top prize in the art category and singers Arbaaz Cassim, 14, and Curtis Mclean, 24, also got their hands on some vouchers.
Prizes were awarded by the Chief Patron of Crimestoppers East Midlands, Vic Sethi and the Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Abdul Osman.
Councillor Osman said: ”There were a great mix of talented young people that came, reflecting the various age groups and backgrounds in Highfields, and in Leicester. There were so many fantastic performances, I really enjoyed myself.”
Vic Sethi from Anand International Ltd and Daewoo International (Europe) was also one of the key sponsors for the event. He said: “The event was a great success. The youngsters were so talented. If they are this good now I can only imagine what they will be like as they get older. It was also a great chance for them to understand that type of good work Crimestoppers is doing in the community. 
Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth gave an opening speech at the event and said: “It really was a brilliant event. Has Highfields’ got talent? It certainly has! It was great to see young people bursting with so much energy, creativity and drive – I was really impressed.”
BBC Radio Leicester’s John Sinclar was the compere for the show, which was hosted by Pukaar News and held at the Phoenix Square on Midland Street.
Managing Editor of Pukaar News, Romail Gulzar said: “It was a really great event and we were very impressed with the huge turnout. It was great to see young people showcasing their talent for a good cause.”
Crimestoppers Midlands Chairman, Bill Cullen said: “The event was fantastic in terms of showcasing talent and young people from the Highfields area in Leicester. We wanted to give the young people an opportunity and platform to showcase their views on a particular issue that we are working on in the area. It was a huge success and I’m sure next time we will be looking at organising a Leicestershire-wide event.”
