Online showcase for musical talent launched by Wigan singer

Samantha Leslie, from Ashton, has set up Now Hear us Sing which will provide a weekend of online musical performances.

Artists will be broadcasting on the scheme’s Facebook group from their homes for several hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

Now Hear us Sing is the brainchild of professional singer Samantha and agent Joanne Howells, who runs North Wales Entertainment.

The live online group is also linked to a fund-raising drive to support the NHS.

Samantha said the response to Now Hear us Sing’s initial event had convinced her to continue and make it bigger.

Samantha, 26, said: “We’ve had great support and everyone has been so nice and keen to help us. We’ve been overwhelmed.

“Everyone’s putting in an effort and this is also a way people can donate to get the PPE equipment.

“When we did the first one we had NHS workers saying they were listening to us at work, which we think is absolutely brilliant.

“They’re going through a hard time in hospitals and we want to give them anything we can to keep their spirits up.”

Samantha has used her contacts in the music industry to put together an impressive line-up for this weekend, with acts including singers who have been on TV shows such as X-Factor and some Wigan talent as well.

The group will be broadcasting live between 4pm and 9pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with each artist expected to do a set of around 45 minutes.

Samantha studied performing arts at Wigan and Leigh College and studied at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) before spending time in the Middle East singing at upmarket resorts and in Australia.

She now performs on the UK circuit of holiday parks and other venues performing everything from 1960s classics to present-day favourites.

Samantha is hoping to keep the group broadcasts going as long as possible during the coronavirus lockdown.

To find out more about Now Hear us Sing or to watch the performances, visit www.facebook.com/groups/2674305816191290/?ref=share

Donations for PPE for health workers can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nowhearsing?utm_term=ynnZEQraa