A trio of celebrity faces pulled up at Huddersfield Train Station this past week where they helped future art, food and music talents showcase their array of talents.
Scottish TV chef, Tony Singh, Leeds-born neon artist, Julia Bickerstaff, and Lancashire-raised radio DJ, Shaun Keaveny, headed up the TransPennine Express (TPE) headed initiative – the ‘Where Next Project’.
In what was a unique exhibition for the train station, each industry expert offered valuable advice to their ‘student’ as they displayed their talents to Huddersfield’s busy commuters.
Despite the usual hustle and bustle of the station, passersby were happy to take time out of their day to view stunning art pieces and sample some traditional Italian pizza – cooked up by Pizza Chef, Antonio Curiale.
Antonio worked alongside bacon artisan, Mark Reynolds, and TV chef, Tony Singh to create the delicious ‘food-on-the-go’.
Thanking Tony for his mentorship, the Italian-born chef said: “Tony has helped me to look at pizza in a new way and his guidance will help me in expanding the offering we have at Antonio’s Pizza Party.
“The food industry can be a difficult one to get into but with the help of projects like this I’m sure many more people will be inspired to build new ideas and business right here in the North.”
Tony added: “It’s been fantastic to work with Mark and Antonio and I’m delighted that it has resulted in fantastic bacon pizzolo being served to hungry commuters coming into Huddersfield.
“Working with a bacon expert and a pizza fanatic has been a delicious journey and by the looks of things, the product has resulted in lots of happy commuters.”
In total, six talented individuals from across the North and Scotland were given the chance to shine in front of thousands of commuters throughout the day.
Sue Whaley, Human Resources Director, for TransPennine Express explained where the project had come from.
She said: “It’s no secret that The North and Scotland is home to burgeoning talents across multiple industries, today we have seen that come to life.”
“At TransPennine Express, we are constantly looking for ways to innovate and develop the communities we serve.
“From undergoing recruitment drives to attract a young and more diverse workforce to launching initiatives such as the Where Next Project which hopes to further creative industries.
“What we’ve seen today is the future and how making connections with those who have already made it can help those who are making their first steps to becoming the stars of tomorrow.”
