Mayor Elisha McCallion congratulates Acorn musicians on MTV debut

THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District has sent her congratulations to some talented young Derry musicians who will be entertaining the stars at next month’s MTV Club Night event.

Local band The Plantin and Wee DM (Donna-Marie Duddy) have secured the chance to play in the VIP tent at the much anticipated gig on August 15.

The up and coming young stars were recognised through the Community Foundation’s Acorn Fund Inspire Bursaries Programme, which supports young people with disabilities in training in their chosen arts, and Derry City and Strabane District Council’s City of Culture Legacy Plan.

The Mayor today wished them every success at the event, which features Nervo, Galantis, Philip George, and David Zowie among the line-up.

“I am thrilled that some of our talented local young people will get the opportunity to perform at such a major event. To perform in front of an audience is such a daunting thing, and to perform while also conquering the additional challenges posed by having a disability is completely awe-inspiring.

“I am so supportive of the Acorn Fund’s work in assisting our local young people in overcoming the obstacles and stereotypes associated with disability and realising their creative ambitions. I wish them all the very best – I know they will have a fantastic night.”

The Acorn Fund programme is part of the city’s legacy from the 2013 UK City of Culture and is funded with the support of the Big Lottery, Inner City Trust and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Director of Legacy with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Oonagh McGillion, said she was delighted to see young people making the most of the creative opportunities on offer.

“I would like to congratulate Donna-Marie and the members of the Plantin for their success in securing this really coveted slot. Our City of Culture year was all about inspiring and supporting our young creative talent, so it really is rewarding to see that work continue, and the impact it’s having on the lives of our young people.

“The Acorn Fund has such a key role to play in nurturing talent and opening up those opportunities to everyone, and I know that these young musicians have a really bright future ahead of them in the creative arts. Well done!”

All the young musicians selected have received support through the Acorn Fund to pursue their goals in music. The Plantin, originally formed at Foyle View School, are made up of members both with and without learning difficulties.

Through the Acorn Fund, Donna-Marie Duddy, who is a wheelchair user, realised her dreams of becoming a recording star when she produced her debut EP Off My Cuff on a limited edition 12” vinyl late last year.