Wythenshawe's Got Talent 2010 officially launched

This year's Wythenshawe's Got Talent was officially launched in the town centre on Saturday.

Over 300 applications were handed out and nearly 50 people have signed-up already to take part in the variety show.

 

This year sees Take That star Jason Orange backing the event which is run by housing trusts Parkway Green and Willow Park, and is open to people of all ages who have a M22 or a M23 postcode.

Poppy O'Neil was just nine-years-old when she won last year's event and was one of the first to commit to taking part in this year's show.

Since winning, she has gone on to star in a dance production where she took part in 16 shows across the UK taking in the likes of Blackpool, Ellesmere Port, Bury and Birmingham.

Joining Poppy in signing-up for Wythenshawe's Got Talent 2010 was the Toe Tappers Dance School, which won the 12 to 17-year-old age group categories in 2008 and 2009, as well as being runner-up in the under-11s section last year.

Caroline Appleby of Toe Tappers Dance School said: "This year we have 15 members taking part in Wythenshawe's Got Talent and we are really looking forward to it because over the last two years we have entered, we have seen a very positive affect on the dance school and it has really increased our popularity and more people have joined and been able to enjoy what we offer."

Willow Park Housing Trust Chief Executive, Joe Doherty, said: "The success of the weekend has been really encouraging and we would urge residents young and old to apply, show off their talents and really enjoy themselves in a fun community event.

"The variety show is open to people of all ages and abilities and we would really like to see a variety of acts from a broad section of the Wythenshawe community take part."

Parkway Green Housing Trust Chief Executive, Nigel Wilson, said: "The event brings the Wythenshawe community closer together and provides the perfect opportunity for residents to show their pride in the town and celebrate everything that is good about the area.

"We have seen from the previous two years that Wythenshawe is full of talented people and we are hoping to make this year's event bigger and better than ever before."

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!"

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

On the 11^th October, the 15 successful acts chosen to perform in the grand final on November the 6^th will be notified.

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