IPSWICH: Are you the next big thing?The search is still on for a Suffolk star, so if you believe you've got talent then a major talent contest should be your next port of call.

IPSWICH: Are you the next big thing?

The search is still on for a Suffolk star, so if you believe you've got talent then a major talent contest should be your next port of call.

The final entries are now being sought for the first ever Star For A Night talent show, which is set to take place on the stage of the Ipswich Regent Theatre in May.

Organisers say they have been inundated with applicants and are expecting the event to be one of the biggest music and entertainment shows for undiscovered talents in the region.

The initiative will allow singers, dancers, comedians and musicians to claim their slice of fame on the famous town stage - and potentially even get spotted by a talent scout.

Star For A Night, which is in aid of the East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), will also feature a series of auditions at Martlesham Leisure Health and Fitness Club early in the New Year.

So if you're aged eight or above and you think you can impress the panel of judges then enter now because entries can only be accepted up until January 31st.

Roly Burrows, chairman of Bucklesham Community Council and an avid music and theatre lover, came up with the idea.

He said: “Star For A Night is something extra special. It came about after I went to see my granddaughter in a Stagecoach production at a West End theatre last year.

“All proceeds from that performance went to charity and I was extremely moved by the whole event. It inspired me to bring something similar to the local community.”

Cheryl Halliwell, a judge of the event and a famous backing singer, said: “This is a fantastic talent show concept and I'm not at all surprised that we've been so flooded with entries.

“Suffolk is bursting at the seams with musical and talented individuals and groups. I'm personally really looking forward to seeing some of them get their moment on the stage.”

EACH provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their own homes, as well as at the charity's hospices based in Ipswich, Quidenham in Norfolk and Milton in Cambridge.

For more information on the big event visit www.starforanight.net