BBC Radio 1’s Danni Diston to Compere YT20 Celebration at Hall for Cornwall

Tickets are now on sale for YT20, a first-of-its-kind gala event staged by Young & Talented Cornwall to mark its twentieth anniversary. The showcase will take place at Hall for Cornwall on Monday 17th November at 6.30pm.

BBC Radio 1 DJ Danni Diston will return to her Cornish roots to compere the evening, which promises an incredible celebration of homegrown talent, from music and dance to sport, science and creative writing.

A Night of Performances and Inspiration

As part of the line-up, young performers will present a specially commissioned dance created under the guidance of Cornwall-born choreographer Theo Clinkard. A new anthem for Cornwall, written by aspiring young writers and composed by Cornwall-based Jim Carey, will debut on the night, performed by the Cornwall Youth Choir.

Young & Talented Cornwall grant recipients will feature throughout, with filmed messages of support adding extra sparkle from familiar names including Dame Judi Dench, Dawn French, Will Young and Olympic rower Helen Glover, a former recipient of the fund.

Two Decades of Support

Over the last 20 years, Young & Talented Cornwall has awarded more than £500,000 to over 500 exceptionally talented individuals, helping to remove financial, social and physical barriers for gifted young people in Cornwall.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, said:

“Too many young people in Cornwall feel their dreams are out of reach. Held back by geography, finances, or lack of opportunity. But for the past 20 years, Young and Talented Cornwall has shown that incredible things happen when the right support meets the right spark.

“Young talent has been involved in so many aspects of our YT20 production; from the choreography and dance, to the composition and lyrics, to the films which will intersperse the performance, the art which will be on display, the photography, animation and lighting.

“Every investment in a young person stirs inspiration, creates new opportunities, and builds a brighter Cornwall for all. Whether you’re a supporter, sponsor, or dreamer yourself, YT20 is a chance to see just how powerful belief, backing, and opportunity can be.”

A Celebration Across Truro

The evening will begin with a vibrant procession through the streets of Truro, headed by the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Mayor of Truro. They will be followed by past and present recipients of Young & Talented Cornwall, led by the St Austell Youth Brass Band.

The parade will culminate at Hall for Cornwall, where an immersive experience coordinated by Tate St Ives will add another dimension. Inspired by the Barbara Hepworth Museum, the installation will showcase sound and photography celebrating alumni achievements and offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of YT20.

Backed by National and Local Support

To support the staging of YT20, Arts Council England has awarded a £19,000 project grant made possible by the National Lottery. The event is also sponsored by Cornish Metals and St Eval, with additional support from Hall for Cornwall and Screen Cornwall.

Tickets start from £30 per person and are available now via the Hall for Cornwall website