Meet ‘Queen of Christmas,’ nineteen-year-old Southsea singer Poppy Roche, who has become a local treasure known for her selfless deeds and powerful singing performances.
On December 5th, Poppy will host an eagerly anticipated Christmas Open Mic Showcase at a dog-friendly café, The Hideaway, Southsea. Performers of all genres are invited to take to the stage to share their glittering artistry. The magic of the holiday season is set to sparkle more than ever as Poppy kickstarts the evening with some festive classics guaranteed to make even the ‘Grinchiest’ of souls feel merry and bright. Any budding musicians, poets, authors, singers or comedians seeking a coveted Open Mic spot are free to simply turn up on the night and interpret the theme as they choose.
“I think everyone with a creative talent deserves to be celebrated because they all have a unique gift they need to share with the world,” says Poppy. “That’s why it’s important to have community events so we can let people shine their talent on all of us. I have been to a few local open mic events and the feedback from other performers or audience members is truly special.”
Poppy hopes to bring the kindness of Christmas to our four-legged friends by collecting donations on the night in support of The Greyhound Trust UK. The charity cares for hundreds of loving greyhounds all over the UK who are waiting patiently for someone to give them the retirement they deserve.
Poppy feels that this gentle and often overlooked breed which are often put at risk of euthanasia needs some special attention this year: “What Christmas really means is seeing people come together, doing their bit and spreading that all so famous festive cheer around. I will always love the magic of Christmas (no matter how old I get) because without it the world would be a very dim place. Believing in a little magic, even if it’s only for a month, is good for the soul.”
Despite her young age, Poppy has always been passionate about spreading joy and using her talents to help others. She devotes a great deal of time to performing for seniors at retirement homes such as Simmons Lodge and Wellesley Court. Her recent event at The Beach Club Southsea, “Afternoon Cake and Coffee with Poppy” was a tremendous success enabling older people to meet new friends and enjoy a change of scenery. Poppy explains, “It’s as simple as this; I just want to make people happy. I love giving back to the community. I just love people. If I can help someone in any way then I will do it, whether that is through singing or just my smiley face.”
Poppy confesses that she used to struggle with anxiety: “I think music and performing all together allows me to completely let go of what is bothering me. I go into a new world where I switch everything off and I’m entirely myself when I’m performing. Believe it or not, I don’t really get stage fright anymore- which I really struggled with at the beginning of my singing journey. It doesn’t scare me; it excites me, and I love the feeling I get from performing.”
Poppy’s Christmas Showcase takes place 7.30-10pm on Thursday 5th December at the Hideaway Southsea. Christmas jumpers, sparkles, sequins and fancy dress are all welcome at this event which will celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
Free Entry. Food and refreshments are available to purchase.
Written By Caroline Brennan
