A team of expert judges have been announced, ready to take on the challenging task of selecting the stars of the future at Colchester Has Talent this weekend.
Bringing together the most gifted young entertainers Colchester has to offer, Colchester Has Talent provides a golden opportunity for the stars of tomorrow to showcase their amazing ability in front of a live audience and expert judges.
On the judging panel will be Segun Lawal, Cameron Abbott-Betts, Katie Skingle and Anthony Benfield – each with their own special connection to the local entertainment scene in Colchester.
Endorsed by the Arts Council England as an Exceptional Global Talent, Segun Lawal has 25 years of experience as an artistic creator and director – including being the head judge on Nigeria’s equivalent to Strictly Come Dancing.
Cameron Abbott-Betts is the co-founder and director of Colchester Fringe, which provides a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their work, while also producing the First Thursdays event series in Colchester.
As director of KAT Marketing, Katie is the owner of Colchester’s leading creative agency and has a track record of delivering countless community-focused projects in and around Colchester over more than 15 years, specialising in the performing arts and live entertainment.
Completing the judges line-up is Anthony Benfield, the manager of the Vacay Bar entertainment venue in the centre of Colchester which shares music, comedy and events with visitors to the city centre.
Colchester Has Talent welcomes singers, dancers, musicians, sport stars or anyone who possesses a special talent audiences would love to see. Performances can be by single artists or duets only and each act must be no more than 2 minutes.
Taking place at the Vacay Bar in Colchester’s Lion Walk Shopping Centre, there will be a qualifying round on Saturday, September 28th followed by the grand final on Sunday, September 29th. Both events run from noon until 3pm.
Martin Leatherdale, Centre Manager at Lion Walk, commented: “We are thrilled to be able to announce our judges panel for Colchester Has Talent. We have some incredible acts lined up, so our judges will be put to the test to pick out the best.
“The winner of the grand final will have the chance to perform live on stage at the Christmas Lights Switch On event in Colchester this November, so this is a fantastic opportunity for talented local performers.”
Segun Lawal, who will act as Head Judge, added: “I can’t wait for Colchester Has Talent. I know just how gifted the young performers are in Colchester and my team of judges will be looking for someone who truly has the X-factor.
“It will be a special weekend of incredible entertainment, so don’t miss the chance to come along to Lion Walk on each afternoon. You might just see the beginning of someone’s journey to stardom.”
