Young poets and rappers to take part in first ever 'Battle of the Bars'

The first ever Waltham Forest Battle of the Bars will take place in Leyton Sixth Form College on Thursday 11th June and students are invited to showcase their rap talents, writes Liedson Moreno Gomes

Waltham Forest Music Service and Leyton Sixth Form College are inviting students from secondary schools and colleges across the borough to take part in the first ever Waltham Forest Battle of the Bars next month.

The event, which takes place on Thursday 11th June at 7pm in the Leyton Sixth Form College Theatre, will celebrate rap, lyric writing and beat-making, with young artists performing live in front of an audience and expert panel.

Organisers say the evening is open to performers of all experience levels, from established MCs to those trying live performance for the first time.

The categories are as follows: Best Solo Mc, Best Group, Best Original Lyrics, Best Performance, Best Producer and there will be an optional cypher at the end where every artist involved can take part together on stage.

Students in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 are being encouraged to take part, with all musical styles welcomed.

There is a ban on racism, sexism, homophobia or hate speech of any kind, curse words or swearing, diss tracks, or gang references.

The event aims to give young people a platform to showcase their creativity, collaborate with others and receive professional feedback in a supportive environment.

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