With the big event now just a few months away, the 16 acts who will battle it out in the 2013 Ipswich has Got Talent final can today be revealed.

The team behind the competition were full of praise for the finalists of this year’s competition, which will have a musicals theme, saying the acts are some of the best yet.

Among the performers who will step out on to the Ipswich Regent stage in October is the 40-strong Ipswich Hospital Community Choir, which is led by choirmaster Nick Coleman.

Mr Coleman said: “They sound fab for a group that’s only been together since January.

“We are a little bit unconventional, we don’t really do choral songs, we do popular music and show tunes so I suppose that reflects on me and the membership.”

Fellow finalist, 19-year-old Leah Godbold, is currently studying at the London College of Music and she will be determined to use all her skills and talent to impress the audience and judging panel at the showpiece event.

She added: “I’m most looking forward to putting a show together – it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s something you can be proud of.”

Other finalists this year include Sam Gooding, 39, who will be singing and performing to swing-style music, 14-year-old singer Luke Griffin and one of last year’s finalists, Marcus House.

Mr House, 52, said: “For me it is all about finding the song, making that song your own and then performing it and seeing what reaction you get back.”

One of the major aims of the competition is to showcase the top talent in the town, but it also promotes the Purple Flag and Best Bar None schemes, which both aim to improve Ipswich’s night-time economy.

This year’s final will take place at the Ipswich Regent on October 26 and is supported by a number of organisations including the Ipswich Star, Suffolk police and the borough council.

As well as the finalists performing on the night, there will be special guests including the Wattisham Military Wives Choir and last year’s winner, Simone Dorset.

Kevin Smith, who is part of the organising team, said: “We have got the best 16 acts that we have ever had. We are really pleased with the level of talent we have got this year. It will be really hard for the judges.”

For tickets, call the Regent box office on 01473 433100.