Skipton Rotarians are once again searching for talented young performers as they prepare for the 2025 Rotary Young Musician of the Year competition.
The event offers young people aged 17 or under from the Skipton and Keighley areas the chance to perform in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, with winners progressing through to district, regional, and national rounds.
The local round will be held at St Andrew’s Church in Keighley on Saturday, 1st November, and will once again be jointly organised by the Rotary Clubs of Skipton and Keighley.
Both clubs have a long tradition of supporting young musicians and helping them take their first steps into public performance.
Last year’s nominee, Ilkley singer Matilda Hitchcock, achieved remarkable success.
She won the local, district and regional stages before reaching the national finals in Romford, Essex — an experience she describes as “unforgettable.”
“I loved taking part in the Young Musician competition and still can’t believe I actually made it to the final, especially when the other singers were so much older than me
“It was great to hear all of the other competitors and the different styles of music.
"I also loved having the chance to perform in front of some big audiences, and to meet lots of really nice people along the way too.”
Judy Hazlehurst from the Rotary Club of Skipton said the competition is a highlight of the Rotary calendar and a fantastic opportunity for young people in the area.
She added:
“We were thrilled to see Matilda go all the way to last year’s national finals and we’re now looking for another talented young musician to try and emulate her feat.
“It’s wonderful to see talented young people from our area strut their stuff and show how they can perform at the highest levels.”
For Skipton, the competition is another example of how the town continues to champion creativity and opportunity for its younger residents.
Local schools and music tutors are being encouraged to nominate pupils who show musical promise.
The event not only celebrates performance but also fosters confidence and community spirit, values long associated with Skipton’s cultural life.
Anyone wishing to enter should contact Judy Hazlehurst from the Rotary Club of Skipton by email at judy@hazlehurst.org or by phone on 07940 586456.
The deadline for entries is Friday, 17 October, and organisers are encouraging interested musicians from Skipton and nearby villages to apply soon.
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