The Prince's Trust

THE PRINCE’S TRUST

President HRH The Prince of Wales

18 Park Square East, London NW1 4LH

Telephone 020 7543 1234 Direct Line 020 7543 7411

Facsimile 020 7543 7329 Minicom 020 7543 1374

www.princes-trust.org.uk

A Prince’s Trust supported band, the ‘Xkonz’, will be the first ever unsigned band to perform at Capital 95.8FM’s Party in the Park for The Prince’s Trust this Sunday.

A talented and energetic rap group, the Xkonz are hoping to emulate the success of the Stereophonics, the most successful band from The Prince’s Trust ‘stable’ to date.

Band members, Terra, Rusty, Aaron and Justin, met while they were at Huntercombe Young Offenders Institution. There, they got help developing their music skills through a Prince’s Trust funded project, part of the charity’s Hidden Talents Music Network, which uses music to improve young people’s skills, confidence and job chances.

The Xkonz were commissioned by The Prince’s Trust to write a song, called Yes You Can, which echoes the charity’s message to young people. The words encourage young people to believe in themselves, no matter what obstacles they face. The song will performed in front of a major audience for the first time on Sunday.

Now all released, each member of the band is taking positive steps to make a fresh start. Terra is involved in music and film production, Justin is pursuing an acting career, Rusty has been given an opportunity in Rugby League and Aaron is working on his music.

Says Terra : "It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to perform at Party in the Park. This is our chance to show that we have all made a new start and are achieving something positive, thanks to The Prince’s Trust. It is also a great opportunity to say ‘Yes You Can’ to other young people who are finding life tough for whatever reason."

The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people develop confidence, learn new skills, get into work and start up in business. Ex-offenders are one of eight groups targeted by The Trust. The charity aims to give them the opportunities they need to make a fresh start in life.


Notes to editors

1. For further information please call The Prince’s Trust Press Office on 0207 543 1348/7411.
   
2. Huntercombe Young Offender Institution is a vocational training establishment, providing access to opportunities for all young prisoners. In addition to educational and vocational training programmes, a full time Arts coordinator is employed to lead a programme of courses and events that address offending behaviour using arts and drama. For further information on Huntercombe please contact Prison Service Media Relations on 020 7217 6633.