Take That star Jason Orange lends support to Wythenshawe's Got Talent

Wythenshawe residents are being given chance to parade their skills and talents in a special variety show with the launch of Parkway Green Housing Trust and Willow Park Housing Trust's Wythenshawe's Got Talent 2010 event.

Lending his support to the event is Take That star Jason Orange. Having been raised in Wythenshawe and having first-hand experience of how talent can be discovered to kick-start a successful entertainment career, Jason is now encouraging residents of all ages in the area to register and get involved.

Jason Orange said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people from my home town to showcase their talents and perhaps go on and have careers in the entertainment business.

"Knowing Wythenshawe and the people who live there, I'm sure it will be a great event and I'd encourage everyone to get involved and most importantly, really enjoy it!"

Now in its third year, the variety show is open to people of all ages who live or work in areas with M22 or M23 postcodes and aims to build on last year's success when more than 1,000 people took part.

Wythenshawe's Got Talent has played an important role in bringing the Wythenshawe community together and giving residents an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

Joe Doherty, chief executive at Willow Park Housing Trust, said: "We are delighted to support the Wythenshawe's Got Talent Variety Show.

"The event is a fantastic opportunity for the Wythenshawe community to showcase and celebrate local talent.

"It also provides contestants of all ages and abilities the chance to broaden their horizons and realise their true potential, something which creates a tremendous ‘feel good' factor for the whole Wythenshawe community and beyond."

Parkway Green Housing Trust's Chief Executive, Nigel Wilson, said: "It is fantastic that a star as big as Jason Orange is willing to lend his support to the local community and we hope he inspires residents of all ages and abilities to take part.

"Events like Wythenshawe's Got Talent play a huge role in bringing communities closer together and I'm really looking forward to seeing the talent we have and hopefully we'll unearth performers who may go on to be the next big stars from the area."

The closing date for applications is September 24 with auditions being held on the October 9 at Wythenshawe Forum.

On the October 11, the 15 successful acts chosen to perform in the grand final on November will be notified.

Application forms and more details are available online at www.wythenshawesgottalent.co.uk