The inaugural Centrepoint Presents event was, simply put, unforgettable.
Earlier this year, 229 London in Great Portland Street played host to our inaugural event, We Have Talent, and it set the bar higher than we ever could have imagined, all thanks to an extraordinary collaboration with Centrepoint’s Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB). The LEAB are an incredible group of former Centrepoint residents - they share their insights and experiences of homelessness to drive change through all areas of our work.
This was more than one evening; the LEAB members chose the event itself and collaborated throughout the entire process, shaping everything from the design and venue to the overall format.
Working hand in hand with creative and dedicated partners, as well as the Special Events team, the LEAB created a night that was entirely authentic, powerful, and deeply moving. At its core, the event was about opening doors and giving opportunities to young people who don't normally have them. Through hands-on involvement, the LEAB gained invaluable skills and experience both behind the scenes and on stage, proving just how much talent shines when given the platform to lead. It was a true masterclass in co-production.
Gathering together under one roof, the impact of the night completely blew us away. Beyond raising vital funds to help young people leave homelessness behind for good, the event was a celebration of empowerment, confidence-building, and real-world experience. Hosted by Lisa Maxwell and with eight brilliant artists bringing the house down with unforgettable performances, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish.
To the performers, our Lived Experience Advisory Board, our incredible partners, and every single person who made this debut a success: thank you. You proved once again that change is powerful when we come together.
We are already looking ahead to 2027 and want to work with even more amazing partners to make next year's event bigger and bolder than ever. If your organisation wants to help us create life-changing opportunities and empower young people, get in touch with our team today to get involved!
We are looking forward to seeing what young people create in 2027!
