Search is on for a new star in Swindon (From Swindon Advertiser)

Search is on for a new star as Swindon Talent '11 is launched

1:30pm Thursday 21st April 2011 in Swindon Talent 2011 News

THE search for a star begins this weekend when singer Jahmene Douglas launches Swindon Talent ’11.

Jahmene, who was last year’s winner, will be kicking off the fourth year of the talent hunt when he performs at the St George’s Day celebrations on Saturday.

The competition is a showcase for the best entertainers in and around Swindon and is organised by the Swindon Advertiser, Holmes Music, the Wyvern Theatre and Swindon 105.5 community radio.

Jahmene will be on stage at Wharf Green at 3.20pm when he will be showing the crowd show he scooped the number one slot in the highly fought battle.

Let Me Entertain You, the words of Robbie Williams, are the underlying theme of this year’s talent contest with organisers looking to find new acts and the hidden gems in the town.

Swindon Advertiser editor Dave King said: “We don’t just want singers or rock bands, we want entertainers such as acrobats or classical music performers, jazz bands or folk, novelty artists and street entertainers.

“We are looking for the same type of acts as on the TV show Britain’s Got Talent.”

- Dave King editor of Swindon Advertiser

“We are looking for the same type of acts as on the TV show Britain’s Got Talent.”

The first heat will take place in Wharf Green on Saturday, May 28 from noon, and the second will take place at Purton Village Hall at 7.30pm on Friday, June 3.

The Old Town Festival plays host to the third heat at The Bowl on Sunday, June 26 at 11.30am.

New to the contest this year is the Wootton Bassett Arts Festival, which welcomes contenders at the fourth heat at 7pm on Friday, July 1 at 7pm.

And the Big Arts Day at Lydiard Park provides the backdrop for the fifth heat at noon on Saturday, July 9.

Entrants must pre-register for all of the heats but there will also be an open mic night at The Platform, in Faringdon Road, on June 16 at 6pm when anyone can simply turn up and perform.

“We have discovered some amazing artists over the last few years who have gone on to make the entertainment world their career, such as Jade Wilkinson and Samantha Maybee,” said Dave.

“Also, we have uncovered some young and extremely promising acts such as 14-year-old Eleanor Williams who has been dubbed the new Katherine Jenkins.”

This year the contest is split into two age groups: Under 16 and over 16.

The final will take place on Saturday, August 6 at the Wyvern Theatre.

To enter this year’s competition go to www.swindon advertiser.co.uk/news/ swindon_talent_2011/.

Download an entry form and return it to: Swindon Talent ’11, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 3BE.