Choirs, comedians, singers and bands sought for talent show

Heats for the competition, which will see the winners take home a cash prize of £2,000, will take place in Waterside Theatre on Saturday, March 7. Online applications will be accepted up until Thursday, March 5, at midnight, so whether you are a solo act, in a band or you are an amateur or professional, you are welcome to enter. Entries are being sought from school choirs, right through to magicians, dance groups and comedy acts, and the heats will be run along the same lines as the hit talent show ‘X Factor’.

To apply for a place on the stage on March 7, go online at www.talentnorthwest.com, and put yourself or your team in the spotlight for a great prize and enjoy your 15 minutes of fame.

Talent Northwest has been charged with uncovering and showcasing the very best of outstanding artists and musicians, performers and stars of the future in the Londonderry district.

The Waterside Theatre heat is one of just six heats in the district. The others are Limavady, Strabane, the Outer North, Outer West and Triax, all of which are in the city boundary.

At each of the six venues the judges will select just two acts to take part in the gala final in the Millennium Forum on Sunday, March 29, where the ultimate winner will be crowned.

In addition to a cash prize of £2,000, the winning act will also have the opportunity to appear on TV, on radio and at a host venues across the district.

Appearances in the future will include the Earhart Festival and various gigs within the city.

Waterside Community Engagement Officer, Caroline Temple, said: “I am very excited to see what talent the Waterside area has to offer. We particularly want to hear from youth and community groups, dance groups, choirs, young up and coming musicians, as well as some of those quirky acts that I just know exist in the city and will bring a smile to our judges’ faces on the day.”

Judging for the Waterside will be Thomas Sweeney from the band ‘The Hitmen’, local musician Glenn Rosborough and Ollie Green from Greater Shantallow Community Arts, which is leading the project.

“So get online and apply,” said Caroline.

In addition to vibrant acts which showcase the cream of what the district has to offer, Caroline and the team also want a fun, supportive audience at each location.

“We are also looking for a lively crowd of audience members to make the heats a memorable experience. Those who want to support the various acts are welcome to turn up at Waterside Theatre. The doors open at 11.30am and the show will get underway at 12pm,” she said, adding: “There is a capacity for 300 in the audience and we would love the place filled to the rafters with noisy support for the various acts,” said Caroline.

For more information telephone the co-ordinators on 02871 357443 or email [email protected], or, alternatively contact Caroline direct on 02871 342959.