Acts are needed to come along to a live audition to be in with a chance of performing at a town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Gymnasts, jugglers, musicians and magicians are among the type of acts wanted to take part in Stowmarket’s Got Talent.

Stowmarket Town Centre Partnership’s Sharon Brown has set up the event. She said: “We want to encourage and showcase local talent – it’s a way for us to see what’s out there.

“In the past we have had acts for the Christmas lights switch-on from many places around the country but this is a chance for local talent.

“Hopefully, there will be lots of submissions as it’s the first one we have held.”

On the judging panel will be Sheila Ravenscroft, the widow of the late Radio 1 DJ John Peel.

The event is being supported by the EADT’s sister title the Stowmarket Mercury.

The Mercury’s editor Russell Cook will also be one of the judges. He said: “We’re delighted to be the media partners for Stowmarket’s Got Talent and I’m looking forward to the judging process next month.

“But what we need now is for all those talented people, young and old, to stand up and be counted and enter the competition.

“I know there’s a host of singers and musicians out there and other entertainers who could justifiably stake a claim for being the winner of the competition.”

The judges will hand-pick the 10 top acts to go through to the live final at the town’s Regal Theatre on October 20.

The winners from the live final will then perform during the Christmas lights switch-on on November 29 in front of thousands of people.

DVDs and CDs with performers’ best moves are wanted to be sent to the panel of judges.

Entries should be sent to Sharon Brown, Town Centre Manager, Style@Stow, 15 Bury Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1HA.