Ipswich’s annual talent show returns to the stage at the Regent Theatre tomorrow night as 14 acts battle it out to prove the town is full of talent.

Bands, musicians, dancers and singers are all represented in the final of Ipswich Has Got Talent, selected after exhaustive heats earlier in the year.

Since it started in 2009 the event has featured a range of different acts from all corners of the IP postcode with the competition aiming to provide a fun and safe night out in Suffolk’s county town.

The competition is run by Ipswich Borough Council and supported by the Ipswich Star and Town 102fm.

Mike Grimwood, IHGT project manager said he was expecting a very close competition.

“This is my third year as manager of this show and as someone who enjoys the occasional flutter I have kept my money firmly in my wallet, as any of the acts this year could win,” he said.

“This is probably due to the fact we had a 148% increase in applications compared to last year.

“I send my sincere best wishes to the acts; you have become part of the team and are all a credit to yourselves.

“In my eyes you are all winners, so good luck in the show.”

Also performing on the night will be The Skittlez, a three-piece male vocal harmony group from Ipswich, and Just Jay Dance, winners of last year’s Ipswich Has Got Talent and the first dance group to claim the title.

The judges will be 2005 X Factor runner-up Andy Abraham, 2013 Britain’s Got Talent finalist Gabz, Gary Avis, principal character artist with the Royal Ballet, Vikki Dove from Dove Models, journalist Lynne Mortimer from the Ipswich Star and Jay Austin from Just Jay Dance.

Compere for the night will be Wayne Bavin from Town 102fm.

Tickets for the final, which starts at 7.30pm, can be bought from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre in person or from the Ipswich Regent online at www.ipswichregent.com or by phone on 01473 433100.

FINALISTS

Abi Harid: The 38-year-old mum-of-two loves being on stage singing. Despite dreams of becoming a superstar she says she finds being a wife and mother more rewarding.

The Cheeky Monkeys: A seven-piece dance group aged between nine and 12-years-old. They have been together for nine months and feature a mix of talent from gymnasts to Irish dancers.

Matt Wisbey: Ipswich born and bred, he started in entertainment aged 12 as a mobile DJ. He has performed in tribute and comedy acts and toured across Europe but has now retrained as a mechanic.

Empire 19: Ipswich Has Got Talent is the first competition for this all-girl dance troupe. They have been working together for two years.

Gaia: The 14-year-old Farlingaye High School student loves singing, dancing and acting. She also plays flute and saxophone and dreams of becoming a professional performer.

Tia B: A pupil at Northgate High School, she has been singing from a young age and was formerly a member of a church choir.

The Hot Mamas: A team of ladies aged 30 to 53 who attend an adult dance and fitness class. From starting out in front of a small audience in a village hall they are bringing their positive energy to Ipswich Has Got Talent.

Cameron Bridge: Studying a barbering apprenticeship between singing rehearsals, the 16-year-old is performing at the Regent for the second time this year. He had also been invited to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Misprinted Lines: The pop-punk trio of Harry Dedhar, Ryan Austin and Toby Osment are all 15-years-old. The East Bergholt High School pupils have self-produced their own EP and are inspired by bands such as All Time Low, Green Day and Blink-182.

Roma Mantiega-Nicholson: Despite being just 10-years-old she has already performed at the Regent with Stagecoach, but this will be her first solo performance. She has also played young Princess Fiona in the West End musical Shrek when it toured to the Norwich Theatre Royal.

Paper Mountains: A three-piece pop-rock band from Ipswich whose members have been playing together since 2007. They want to start 2016 off with a bang by creating a brand new set and travel around Suffolk and London.

Esther Howard: The 17-year-old dancer has taken to the hip-hop contemporary genre and will be performing a piece she has choreographed herself.

Elizabeth Leaver: At 18-years-old, she has recently been awarded an unconditional scholarship to Birmingham Conservatoire on its vocal and operatic studies course. She loves singing and performing in different languages.

Missing Pieces: These two sixth form students from the Royal Hospital School share a massive passion for music. They have played alongside the Royal Marines Training Band as well as with groups at school.