Young performers to wow Hartlepool crowds in honour of Queen's birthday

Two schoolgirls will be hitting the high notes to lead Hartlepool's celebrations for the Queen's 90th Birthday.

Following in the footsteps of Katherine Jenkins, who has recorded a special rendition of the National Anthem for the Royal milestone, Olivia Crawford, 14, and Courtney Hadwin, 11, will sing the famous song tomorrow at the town’s beacon lighting events.

Shotton Hall Academy pupil Courtney is set to wow the crowds at the Headland, while Olivia, who attends Manor Academy, will be entertaining audiences at Seaton Carew.

Courtney Hadwin will be at the Headland.Courtney Hadwin will be at the Headland.
Courtney Hadwin will be at the Headland.
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Both girls attend Red Dreams, in Whitby Street South, a charity which helps young people realise their performing dreams.

Dawn McManus, charity manager, said: “The council contacted us and asked if we had any singers that would be suitable for the event, so we chose the girls with the most performance experience.

“Both girls are very talented and this will be a great experience for them.”

Red Dreams works with a number of councils and organisations and takes part in a number of events across the area to provide entertainment.

Olivia Crawford.Olivia Crawford.
Olivia Crawford.
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Dawn added: “I know how the press is being overrun with negative stories regarding young people, and whilst we can’t hope to help everyone, Red Dreams works hard with young people in the North East, helping them develop an understanding of themselves, building confidence and belief, setting goals and helping them believe that they can achieve anything.”

Hartlepool’s two coastal beacons will light up the evening sky tomorrow as part of a 1,000-strong beacon salute to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.

To celebrate the milestone, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will invite the Queen to light the first and Principal Beacon at Windsor Castle.

This will be followed by the lighting of a number of beacons along the Long Walk, in Windsor Great Park, and then more than 1,000 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK overseas territories and Commonwealth countries.

Courtney Hadwin will be at the Headland.Courtney Hadwin will be at the Headland.
Courtney Hadwin will be at the Headland.
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In Hartlepool, members of the public are invited to gather for the celebrations at 7.15pm at the Town Moor beacon on the Headland and at the beacon on the seafront at Seaton Carew.

The town’s Ceremonial Mayor, councillor Mary Fleet, will say a few words and then light the Town Moor beacon at 7.30pm.