X Factor stars are lazy option
Hello folks, I almost can’t believe it’s November already, I mean, it’s almost Christmas, where does the time go?!
Like most boys I always look forward to Christmas, hoping for a few packets of guitar strings and plectrums, my favourite! Music is such a central part of the Christmas experience and the way we use it to celebrate and bring in the good cheer is definitely important.
I almost choked on my cornflakes last week at the news that Gareth Gates and Michelle Heaton were to perform at the Ayr Christmas lights. Not out of disbelief at artists of their magnitude coming to Ayr but rather disdain for our continued appropriation of X Factor talent over our home grown talent.
I mean no disrespect to Mr Gates or Ms Heaton and they are indeed trying to make a living but I have to say I am getting quite tired of reality TV stars with no connection to Ayrshire being used, lazily in my opinion, to prop up what should be community events.
I feel the use of these performers is a tired and lazy way to attract an audience - let’s be frank , Gareth Gates, Michelle Heaton and music, hardly things I put together with any spirited feeling. When will councils stop paying has- been TV stars and stop propagating the myth that these people are better than local talent?
Financially these performers will cost thousands, the reasoning I believe being that it must cost significantly more money to attract a sizeable crowd than it would if hiring all local acts to perform. I mean no disrespect but artistically that is scraping the barrel and Ayr deserves better. These events should be about celebrating COMMUNITY, and what makes us. “Wha’s like us?” asked one great man who used to live round this way, my answer, nobody so let’s celebrate that! Would it not be more appropriate to have a bill of local performers and entertainers? Why do we not have local schools singing at the event and a local person turning on the lights who has achieved much, done good for their community etc. Let’s see that happening.
Speaking of community events, last weekend’s TamFest brought people onto the High Street, which is to be applauded. The festival was more visibly marketed and I think a growing awareness meant more people were keen to get out and enjoy the events. With a programme full of local music ( love it) it was fantastic to see and hear so many grassroots musicians, espcially younger ones who got a chance to gain experience.
The success of local culture is dependent on its support and it’s vital we continue to support local culture as well as recognising the value of communities. There’s a wonderful world out there but what we have at home is special too and the more value we place on the local the better the world around us will become. There are so many talented creatives across the arts in Ayrshire, lets’ all do our bit to support them. Til next time, @ littlefire.