Making Music at the NEC

What an exciting weekend it has been! 

On Saturday morning I was travelling up to Birmingham with two close friends and my boyfriend as he got ready to perform in the Open Mic UK Final at the NEC. The journey was good, no real traffic and a stop off for a healthy double sausage and egg mcmuffin Mcdonalds breakfast- A must on long car journeys!

We arrived at the NEC with enough time to grab a Subway before James went off for a sound check. Myself and friends then went and checked in to our £27 room at Hotel Ramada. Slightly worried due to the cheap booking, it turned out we just got a bargain because our rooms were lovely and we were just a short walk from all the action. It also had a bar/restaurant which was a bonus! We freshened up and walked back into the NEC where we met the rest of our crowd to cheer on and support James.

The competition for the Open Mic Final was insane; 25 talented people aged between 16-20 years old performed in a bid to win and I honestly couldn't call it. Before the results were revealed smaller prizes were given to acts and not once was James' name read out. Third and second place were congratulated and we were all on our feet by the time they went to read out the big one...

"And the winner of the Open Mic UK Final 2014 is....

JAMES BURRAGE." 

I couldn't stand or see because I cried so much but what an abolsutely amazing feeling. We were all so happy, one that James won it, but also we knew we would all be out celebrating that night! It was a slap dash trip back to the hotel, a few drinks and a bite to eat before getting ready to go out and celebrate. In the mist of excitement two friends booked up a hotel to stay the night before realising it was miles away and non refundable... By the end of it they had two hotels to choose from and not much money left over! Well, there had to be a little bit of drama!

Photo taken from Open Mic Uk Facebook Page > http://on.fb.me/1H0s8em

We caught a train into central Birmingham and headed for anywhere with a good atmosphere and alcohol! A perfect end to an incredible evening with the best people. Congrats James you have made us all proud.

Although James won his age category final, he finds out who has won the Open Mic Uk Final overal on Tuesday the 27th January. If you want to hear his original songs, covers or want to know when his next gig is to see him live, check out his soundcloud and youtube channels and his facebook page listed below.

Soundcloud: http://bit.ly/1CIQ01X

YouTube: http://bit.ly/1z2AETn
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/18kZchN

See you on my next adventure.

Jadeene x