The first talent contest, organised entirely by the New Elgin Street Elite Youth Forum, was held on Thursday 8 June 2006 at Elgin Town Hall, to raise funds for a local youth drop-in centre.

Gracing the stage of the Town Hall is a daunting task for even the seasoned performer, however the raw talent demonstrated in all thirteen acts from Elgin High School, Elgin Academy, Lossiemouth High and Forres Academy made it an unforgettable night.

Winners were David Garrow and Claire Haywood whose medley of love songs hit a note with the audience, young and old alike. Rachel Koniszka’s vocal performance of ‘Neil and Craig’, penned in memory of lost friends received second place, while third went to Jennifer Bethune and Claire Haywood, whose haunting vocals and guitar melodies were comparable to those in the charts today.

Elgin High School band Epsilon stunned the audience with their dazzling guitar skills, definitely a band to watch out for. Fellow bands Blue Ovation, Firefly and The Coasters rocked the town hall and left us all wanting more. The vocal talents of Ben Mortimer, Emma McDonald, Kirsten Gordon and Shelley McDonald were worthy of the applause they received, while Teri Duncan’s enchanting performance of Dido’s ‘White Flag’ was spectacular, even more so considering she had never sung solo in public before.

A definite highlight of the night was the dance performance by the entire youth forum, many of whom worked behind the scenes and they were clearly having a fantastic time. And of course, who can forget the improvised stand-up comedy provided by youth leader Wendy Toner while judging commenced, a possible career change emerging?!

The evening demonstrated not only the untapped talent of the young people of Moray, but also their determination, sense of responsibility and pride in organising such a successful event. These people are the future of Moray and the future certainly looks bright.