Jamaican TV duo wow the crowds

Abundance of talent in Pop Idol competition during Green Days

There was live entertainment on the Band Stand throughout the two Green Days, and a highlight was the surprise appearance of Millie and Pearl, the two Jamaican singers seen recently on TV, in promotions for the BBC Talent scheme.

They performed on Saturday afternoon with the local ska-reggae band Freetown, who also feature in the BBC film. Freetown's next single will be out soon and they are also planning a Christmas album with Millie and Pearl. Other music was provided by the swing band Bassett & the All Sorts, Off-Beat Brass and No 1 Station, one of London's top ska-reggae bands, who brought the two-day event to a great close in bright sunshine.

There were also several dance demonstrations and classes - including swing dancing, salsa and Scottish Country Dancing.

But the biggest crowd was attracted by the Pop Idol children's talent contest on Sunday afternoon. Almost two dozen children sang or danced on the Bandstand. Some others had to be turned away as time ran out. The two joint winners were 8-year-old Daniel Pirie, who danced to Michael Jackson's Thriller, and 8-year-old Milly Forrest, who sang The Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music. Both showed remarkable talent and confidence for ones so young.

In third place was 11-year-old Alice Kent, who was dressed and made up as Kelly Osbourne, and sang Shut Up. Milly and Alice will both be performing in this weekend's Festival production of the musical 'Annie' by St Michael's Junior Choir. Milly is taking the lead role of Annie, the little orphan, who charms President Roosevelt during the American Depression of the 1930s.

There are two performances in St Michael's Church - one at 7pm on Saturday evening (14th) and a matinee at 3pm on Sunday (15th). Tickets are £6 (£3 for children and students). The production is sponsored by the Chiswick-based publisher, Letts Educational.

The money raised from this year's Bedford Park Festival is going to St Mary's Convent & Nursing Home Appeal.

For more details and a full Festival programme, contact the parish office of St Michael & All Angels Church on 020 8994 1380, or visit the Festival Website

June 12, 2003

The Bedford Park Festival

Top Director to give talk at St. Michaels

Record crowds at Bedford Park Festival

"Rudest man in Britain" to open festival

Radio 3 man makes Bach to Back performances

Hogwarts in Turnham Green Terrace

Sign up for our weekly Chiswick newsletter

It's Festival Time Again

Comment on this story on the