Swindon Talent finalists set to strut their stuff at Wyvern Theatre

Seventeen acts, including singers, bands and a comedian, were chosen through six heats to perform in front of three judges.

The competition, organised by the Swindon Advertiser, Holmes Music, the Wyvern Theatre and Swindon 105.5 Community Radio, aims to uncover some of Swindon’s top talent and provide people with the opportunity to perform on stage.

Radio presenter Shirley Ludford, who compered the heats, said: “This annual competition goes from strength to strength.

“This year we saw even more new talent taking to the stage for the first time.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for so many people to be taking to the stage for the first time.”

This year saw heats take place throughout the summer at six venues in and around Swindon.

The finals judges will be Helen Miah, Swindon Council’s head of culture, Peter Clark, director of Swindon Music Service, and Neil Patterson, a professional singer, dancer and performer who took a lead role in The Lion King at Disneyland Paris.

The judges will chose two winners: one in the junior category and one in the adult category.

Alan Holmes, of Holmes Music in Faringdon Road, will organise the sound and technical side of the event, in partnership with Mark Mordak, of Stage and Sound Productions.

He said: “There is quite a variety of acts this year. We have got a sort of comedy sketches act, we have got beat boxing, there’s about three bands. I wouldn’t want to be one of the judges. The aim is to give people a chance to perform in front of a packed audience.”

Both winners will receive a trophy, certificate, and a box of goodies, as well as a day at a local recording studio. They will also get the chance to co-present a special one-hour radio slot on Swindon 105.5.

Tickets for the final cost £9.50 (£7.50 for concessions) and are available by calling the Wyvern box office on 01793 524481 or by logging on to www.wyverntheatre.org.uk. The curtain goes up at 7pm.