The “house full” signs will be going up at the Arts Centre tomorrow night as Swindon Talent 09 reaches its culmination.

Thirteen acts will line up at the Devizes Road theatre for the final of the summer competition, which has been jointly organised by the Adver, Swindon 105.5 and the Arts Centre.

A year ago the Saturday Club, a group of young dancers from Walcot, won the first ever Swindon Talent final with a breathtaking display of dancing.

The youngsters, aged between eight and 16-years-old, had spent two months practising before clinching top spot.

Teacher Natasha Dixon, who guided the Saturday Club to success in 2009, will be hoping to recapture the title when she brings along her group Hot Steppers to the final.

Other acts at Swindon Talent 09 will include an Elvis impersonator, a gospel choir and an Indian dancer.

All the finalists qualified from a series of heats staged at the Purton Carnival, the Old Town Festival, the Caribbean Carnival and an open mic event at Commonweal School last month.

Shirley Ludford, station manager from the community radio station Swindon 105.5, will be among the judges and will be recording the final for broadcast next week.

She said: “Opportunities, fun and special experiences – that’s what Swindon Talent 09 is all about.

“Local artists and entertainers of all ages are encouraged to take to the stage, sometimes for the first time, and perform for an audience and importantly for judges who know their business.

“Having the heats at local festivals is an important aspect of the competition. It widens opportunities, links many organisations together and truly makes this an all-Swindon event.

“I am delighted that an idea of 18 months ago has turned into what has quickly been acknowledged as a quality annual reality.

“We’ve seen a brilliant range of talent from people of all ages and abilities and it’s been fun working with Adver editor Dave King and Clarry Bean from the Arts Centre.”

Prizes up for grabs tomorrow night include an opportunity to record in a studio.

More importantly, a number of talent agents are expected to be in the audience.

Last year, two of the finalists, singers Justin Chilvers and Sam Millard, were signed up by an agency.

Justin is a 22-year-old singer/songwriter, with an immense talent for writing.

He was recently signed to David Seaton Music & Associates.

David said together they will concentrate on Justin’s ability to write and further his career with a well-rehearsed live act containing covers, as well as introducing some of his own compositions.

Justin will also be recording on the Bees’ Knees Label.

David said: “Swindon Talent 08 really showed its value from the first year. We wish this year and subsequent competitions continued and increasing success.”

Sam has since changed her stage name to Samantha Maybee, and has also been signed up by David Seaton.

“I was spotted by them at Swindon Talent,” said Sam.

“I have had a photo shoot and had some publicity cards made. We are looking at making a CD and I have started to get some work from them.

“They seem to be really interested in me and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

The 21-year-old, who still holds down a job with Nationwide, said she thoroughly enjoyed the Swindon Talent experience. “It was huge fun,” she added.

“It was great to see all the talent in and around Swindon. It was a great feeling when performing, it was kind of mind-boggling, feeling nervous, excited yet where I belong at the same time.

“I love being on stage, singing and dancing. It gives you a feeling you can’t get anywhere else.”

Both Samantha and Justin will be singing at tomorrow night’s final.

As for next year, plans are already being made for an even bigger and more exciting talent competition.

“I know Dave is still really keen to see the entertainer with the knobbly knees playing the spoons. If you know a man who can, there’s always next year,” added Shirley.

“As you read this, plans are ready for discussion for exciting developments for Swindon Talent 10.

“My best wishes to all who entered this year – and good luck to all our finalists.”