Manchester City Council allows us use of the Town Hall for the auditions. Urban Superstars is supported by the leader of the City Council Richard Lees, and has been funded by its Neighbourhood Renewal Fund in 2004 and 2005. Richard Lees says this,
"The Urban Superstars programme is back and even bigger and better than before. Manchester City Council's Youth Service is looking for the best urban artist in the city, to help them develop their talents and for the lucky few, to showcase those talents in the grand final in September.
Building upon the success of last year, which saw a sell-out final at the Bridgewater Hall and OneDa perform her winning track 'Staying Right Here', Urban Superstars 06 intends to show that the young people of Manchester have the talent and commitment to be the best."
Manchester Youth Service are this year's funders of Urban Superstars. Manchester Youth Service is proud to present Urban Superstars, and to support and encourage talented young artists across the city.
Youth Contact Team are part of Manchester Youth Service. Funded by the Crime and Disorder Team. Laura Gribbon and Angeli Sweeney are coordinating this year's Urban Superstars programme.
Lisa Ellis from Brink Productions has been involved with Urban Superstars from the start. She links us into the music industry through her many contacts, and runs around making sure the artists have everything they need.
DbG has done all the photography and graphics for Urban Superstars since the final of 04.
This year's album production team is headed up by the legend that is Steve Rigby. He brought in James Ritchie and DJ Pyper this year to add new levels and fresh perspectives. They helped all our finalists write and record their tracks at Fielden Park's music studio and have coordinated the live band for the Final performance. Check out the album - it's BIG!