The 17-year-old Peter Symonds College student impressed show judges with his musical magic act, earning the coveted Golden Buzzer in his audition before achieving victory in the live semi-final at the Hammersmith Apollo on May 22.
Market-stall holders, baristas, front-of-house staff, and students in Winchester’s streets expressed enthusiasm and encouragement for the performer.
Abby Willis, 25, who works in The South Downs Social café, said: “It’s so cool.
“The fact that he’s so young and charismatic, the way he got the crowd going was amazing.
“Everyone in Winchester has been sent the link. [Because] it’s such a small community, we all feel proud even if we don’t know him personally.”
Another barista – Sienna Woods, from The Square – shared her admiration for Rafferty.
She said: “It’s impressive to do at that age, to have that confidence to say, ‘do you know what, it could go wrong, but I’m going to do it anyway’. It’s insane, it’s a really big achievement.
“Also, that starts off a lot of branches onto anything else, cause he can be like, ‘I’ve done this’. He’s now got those little connections to anywhere really – it’s a very good start. I mean, I wish I’d done something like that!”
Sean Thurgood, 36, business owner of thecheesestall at the Winchester farmer’s market, said: “It was pretty fascinating.
“It’s surprising that someone can do such a thing – it was nice!
Rafferty Coope (Image: Camilla Coope)
“He’s good at what he’s doing, so [I would say], enjoy it, yeah – that’s the main thing.”
Further support has been given to Rafferty from his teachers at Peter Symonds College.
Sara Russell OBE, principal of Peter Symonds, said: “Everyone at Peter Symonds College is incredibly proud of Rafferty and all that he has achieved in reaching the final of Britain’s Got Talent. His creativity, dedication, and remarkable talent have inspired both students and staff alike.
“Rafferty embodies the confidence, individuality, and passion we encourage in all of our students, and we will all be cheering him on in the final.”
Tim Butcher, head teacher of Pilgrims’ School, which Rafferty previously attended, said: “Pilgrims’ is incredibly proud of Rafferty and we’re delighted that his talent and warmth have seen him reach the BGT Final.
“The whole school’s behind him!
“Many of the staff have fond memories of his magic performance at our own Pilgrims’ Got Talent – to see him now doing what he does so brilliantly on the national stage is just fantastic. Rafferty’s a great advert for the joy in music and in performance, and we wish him all the luck in the world!”
Support has even come from local politicians, with Danny Chambers, the Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester and Mental Health Spokesperson wishing him luck.
He said: “It was fantastic to see Rafferty make it to the final.
“What’s so inspiring about Rafferty is that not only is he a mesmerising magician and musician but has been using his talent to champion young people’s mental health.
“I hope everyone in Winchester and across Hampshire gets behind him and best of luck to Rafferty in the final. I know he can do it!”
Rafferty’s parents have spoken of their pride in their son.
Richard Coope, Rafferty’s dad, said: “It’s been wonderful to see Rafferty fulfil his dream of performing on Britain’s Got Talent stage.
“We are proud of the way Rafferty is inspiring more young people across Hampshire to get into music and magic.
“Thank you for your kind support.”
Meanwhile, Rafferty’s mum, Camilla, said: “We are so proud of Rafferty, and we are so grateful for all the support he has recieved.
“Please remember to vote for Rafferty during the live BGT Final on Saturday, 30th May.”
Rafferty will appear in the live final on ITV1 and ITVX at 7pm on Saturday, May 30.