North-east schools left disappointed by the cancellation of a the hugely popular Rock Challenge UK are being urged to sign up for an alternative event.
The annual music, dance and song extravaganza collapsed earlier this year, leaving pupils across the country disappointing.
But with north-east schools having played such a full part in the competition for many years, a team of locals have since taken on the “monumental task” of arranging an alternative event for Aberdeenshire schools.
The group has been already held six meetings to discuss plans and there has been “very positive conversations with the council and potential sponsors”.
Now the Make it Happen group is asking schools across the region who would like to participate to let them know by November 4.
A spokesman for the group said: “We do appreciate it’s the October holidays and schools might need a bit more time to decide.
“Knowing how many schools can commit to this will give us an idea of the scale of the event and how many nights we’ll be able to run it for next year.
“Aberdeenshire always rises to a challenge and from that start I’ve felt optimistic that we wouldn’t see the pupils’ work go to waste.
“The young people that were set to compete in the Rock Challenge event next year are still feeling disappointed by the cancellation.
“However, everyone involved clearly sees the benefit such an event has for them.
“There’s still a lot of hard work involved but we’re determined to make it happen.”
The organisers are looking to put on a one-off dance competition for primary and secondary schools as organisers for the UK Rock Challenge hope to create a potential tour schedule for 2021.
There will be a public meeting on Monday, October 28, at 7pm in Mintlaw Academy for anyone interested in helping and joining the committee.
The Make it Happen group will assign roles at this meeting and will also adopt a constitution.
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid recently met with the Make it Happen group to offer his support.
Mr Duguid said: “This is a hugely important initiative to make sure that the efforts of everyone involved, especially the students themselves, don’t go to waste – even if just for 2020.”
