Talented high school teenagers will headline a festival alongside top musicians after winning a battle of the bands competition.
Century Sickness, made up of three boys and a girl from Drayton Manor High School in Drayton Bridge Road, Hanwell, beat 21 other bands to win the contest at the Drayton Court Hotel in The Avenue, West Ealing, on Sunday night.
Lead singer Charys Bestley 16, Ed Higgins, 13, and Teddy Anthony, 15, all of Hanwell, and Joseph Cottrell, 15, of Northfields, won £200 and the chance to top the bill at the Ealing and Hillingdon Youth Festival on July 19, in the grounds of Christ The Saviour Church, Ealing.
The competition was organised by charity Act 29, which was set up 10 years ago to nurture and support fresh new talent.
Founder member Prince Laryea, who used to be in hip-hop band 29th Chapter, said: “I set up the charity to help nurture the best young talent in west London and this band is a real example of the fantastic ability and skill our youth have. It’s so important that this is supported and encouraged.
“These teenagers are all outstanding musicians who work hard at their passion. They’re a real credit to the borough and deserved to win.”
Century Sickness will headline the Festival with Mobo award winner Guvna B, and Paigey Cakey, who is a star of BBC show Waterloo Road.
