Hundreds of people filled the Regent Theatre at the weekend to watch talented performers, ranging from 11 to 87 years old, compete to win the final of Ipswich Has Got Talent.
After a series of auditions over the last few months, the final 15 took to the stage on Saturday night and wowed the audience with a variety of acts from singing musical theatre, to acrobatics.
The overall winner was dance troupe Just Jay Dance who have pledged that half their prize money of £500 will be given to Cancer Research, as three members of the group have all lost people close to them due to the disease.
There were winners for three different categories, who each received £100. Best overall singer was awarded to 13-year-old Jess King, who blasted out an impressive rendition of Leona Lewis’ Run. Best dance act was given to Just Jay Dance and best variety performance went to acrobatic duo, the Torwood Wheelers.
Mike Grimwood, Ipswich Borough Council’s community protection operation manager, said: “It was an amazing night. It was packed with local talent this year as we would hope.
“The judges had a very difficult job but made the right decisions and we look forward to starting again in the very near future for 2015. I would like to give my personal thanks for everyone who contributed to the whole of the IHGT experience.”
Jay Austin, a choreographer, who leads Just Jay Dance, said: “This is the first competition we have ever entered and we are just so grateful that this type of event is able to be put on for the community. We all do this for free and rehearse voluntarily. We want to thank everyone who came to support us.”
There were performances by pianist Benjamin Bloom, and last year’s winner, singer, Leah Godbold, who were both on the judging panel. Other judges were local singer Bec Baldry, Ipswich Star’s Naomi Gornall and Jezz Weatherall and Kerry Blaskett from Enchanted Entertainment.
Other acts competing for the coveted title were the Ipswich Hospital Community Choir, who were all in 70s costume for their Abba medley, the band Pinhead (made up of four year 11 students), and saxophonist Jack Bryanton.
The evening, which was supported by the Ipswich Star, was hosted by Wayne Bavin from Town 102’s breakfast show.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here