A LOCAL performer has been named as the winner of a songwriting competition.
The Hub at St Mary’s launched the contest in partnership with Brit Award winner Guy Chambers.
Rory Black took the title with his winning track Who Would I Be.
The 17-year-old multi-instrumentalist played everything apart from the bass on his song.
As grand prize winner, the music production and performance student won £200 – and also got to perform Guy’s hit Angels with him on stage at The Hub.
Guy said Rory’s song was “pretty much perfect”. He added:
“I don’t come across this level of talent very often. He plays guitar beautifully and sings like a bird.”
The competition was open to songwriters under the age of 30 from Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and District, Cannock, Rugeley and Tamworth.
In addition to Rory, other finalists Christie Reeves, Cloudy Galvez, Holly Rolfe and Sam Cooke will also benefit from performance opportunities at the Lichfield city centre venue throughout 2026.
The Hub’s creative director Anthony Evans said:
“Many congratulations to all five of our finalists who are all super-talented musicians.
“At a time when arts organisations are facing unprecedented challenges, we’re proving that venues like The Hub can create genuinely transformative opportunities for young people.”
