THE Best of Swindon Talent competition will be held next month and budding performers are being urged to showcase their skills live on stage

Organisers inSwindon are inviting all dancers, singers, actors, illusionists, comedians, bands, contortionists, musicians and even jugglers to submit an application for the annual talent competition, where eight finalists will battle it out on the main stage on St George’s Day on April 23.

The winner of the competition will be chosen by the talent spotting judges and will receive the chance to perform at this year’s Swindon Christmas Lights Switch On, due to be attended by more than 10,000 people. And £250 worth of shopping vouchers will also be up for grabs.

Last year, Phoebe Maddison was crowned the winner with her stunning rendition of Whitney Houston's ‘I Will Always Love You’. Phoebe is set to return for a special performance to open the competition this year.

Di Powell, inSwindon BID manager, said: “We are thrilled the ‘Best of Swindon’ talent show is back as part of the day’s activities. Last year’s winner Phoebe was incredible and we can’t wait for her to open the competition for 2017. This is an ideal opportunity for the people of Swindon to showcase their talents and gain stage experience. The competition has seen contestants go on to national competitions”

To enter, upload your entry performance via youtube or Vimeo and send inSwindon the link through the online entry form by the deadline of 5pm on Friday, March 31.

All the entries will be viewed by a panel of judges and shortlisted to seven finalists. The eighth finalist will be chosen by members of the public through the inSwindon Facebook page.

The act with the most likes will join the other seven finalists live on stage on April 23.

To enter visit inSwindon BID website at swindontowncentre.co.uk/news/bestofswindontalentcompetition2017