“Walsall has most definitely got talent!”
That’s the unanimous decision of judges who had the unenviable task of choosing which acts – out of a total 36 – made the cut for the Walsall’s Got Talent grand final in September.
The event, open to talented communities of all ages across the borough, has been organised by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity and all funds raised on the big night later this year will go towards making a difference to patients, staff and volunteers at the Manor Hospital and its community services. The winning act will also scoop a £250 cash prize.
Pelsall Community and Arts Centre became a hive of activity for singers, dancers, musicians and many other talented performers last Sunday as the auditions took place.
On the judging panel was Ben Malpass, who works in Digital Communications at the Trust and is a member of the Wyrley Pretenders amateur dramatics group.
He said: “We were all blown away by the acts who performed on Sunday – Walsall has most definitely got talent, and lots of it!
“We were originally meant to shortlist 12 acts for the grand final, but we were so impressed at the phenomenal standard that we made a case for a final 17 instead. I am hosting the grand final with my dad Shaun on 27 September and I’m really looking forward to a Saturday night of superstars because any one of the finalists could be a worthy winner.
“I don’t envy the grand final judges who will have to make a difficult decision. But good luck to everyone and thank you to all 36 acts who took to the stage – you should all be really proud of yourselves.”
Fellow judge Rainer Derry from Walsh Funerals & Memorials in Bloxwich, agreed that Sunday’s auditions had been “outstanding.”
She added: “Fair play to everyone who came forward for the auditions because they had so much talent. It was a tough job to agree a shortlist as there were so many genuinely outstanding contenders.
“The grand final will be an unmissable night and we’re really looking forward to being part of such a super show.”
Finalists will have the opportunity to buy tickets for friends and family to come along and support them at the final. These may have to be limited if demand is high.
Cash prizes include:
First £250 – donated by H & Jodie’s
Second £150 – donated by Geoff’s Decks
Third £75 – donated by Vibrant Networks
The event is sponsored by Walsh Funerals & Memorials, H & Jodie’s Nisa, Best of Walsall, Vibrant Networks and Geoff’s Decks. Well Wishers would like to thank Pelsall Arts and Community Centre for its support.