Dinnington: Singing plumber enters UK Songwriting Contest

A singing Dinnington plumber has entered his tunes into one of the biggest songwriting competitions in the world.

Paul Ballington, of Throapham, Dinnington, will be going all out to impress judges at the UK Songwriting Contest (UKSC) - with the winners announced in December.

The competition was launched in 2002 and is a favourite with both beginners and experienced songwriters internationally and is highly respected in the music industry.

“The competition is in two stages,” Paul said.

“The first stage I entered two songs - one in the Christmas category with my song ‘Santa Claus am I naughty or nice’ and one in the folk and acoustic category with the Yorkshire Tour de France song ‘Get on yer bike.’”

“Both of my songs have reached the semi-finals which means they will enter the second phase with a chance of getting into the finals - and potentially even winning the competition.”

“I have also entered a few more songs in different categories and I will find out over the next few weeks if these have reached the semi-finals too.”

Previous finalists and winners of the competition have been signed by Simon Cowell, had songs feature on films and had opportunities to write songs with reputable writers along with many other opportunities.

The UKSC judges are Grammy, Emmy and CMA and BRIT award-winning gold and platinum album producers and artists.

They include Sting’s producer Kipper Eldridge, top UK producer Stuart Epps, who has worked with Elton John and Robbie Williams and BRIT Award winner Simon Ellis.

The Guardian reported earlier in the how Paul had become a YouTube sensation after writing and singing his own songs about the England football team in the Brazil 2014 World Cup and the Tour De France departing from Yorkshire in the summer.

His entertaining videos have proved popular with internet users and have received thousands of hits.

The contest is now closed for entries and a decision on who will progress to the final is due soon.

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