
IT WAS reminiscent of scenes that we have grown used to on the X-Factor!
This is the only way to describe the atmosphere when 12-year old Jaimie-Leigh Smithson hit the stage at last Friday’s Christmas Lights ‘switch-on’ in Hedon! A large group of young fans – and some not-so-young – crowded the small stage next to the Hedon Christmas Tree in order to get the best view of the local singing sensation who has left her mark on the Open Mic UK talent competition.

Jaimie had not got through to the National Finals of Open Mic UK, but you wouldn’t know that from the reaction of her fans in Hedon. The chant of “Jaimie, Jaimie, Jaimie…” erupted from the fans even before the young pop star was in sight. And when she did eventually appear on stage, the small crowd went mad with the waving of flags and mobile phones switched-on to record every last moment of her act.
Jaimie-Leigh sang the song which had made her name in the Open Mic competition Black Heart – but it’s certainly clear that she’s won the hearts of local fans.
Young Jaimie had appeared at the Christmas Lights at the special invitation of Hedon Mayor and Lady Mayoress Jim and Sue Lindop – and her short performance certainly made a memorable impact on the otherwise very traditional family event!
The Christmas Lights event this year seems to have won the universal approval of all those who attended or helped make the night happen. But the remarkable scenes around Jaimie-Leigh has definitely provided the town with its own X-Factor moment!