Are you Ipswich Has Got Talent’s next star?

Organisers are looking for acts to take part in this year’s contest and help promote their message of a safe and fun night out in the town.

It’s open to anybody eight-years-old and up with an IP1-IP31 postcode. Heats will be held through the summer, with successful finalists battling it out on stage in front of a packed crowd at the Regent Theatre.

Ipswich Has Got Talent started in 2009 with the aim of bringing the community together to celebrate diversity and showcase local talent, while also promoting the message of a safe and fun night out in the town. It’s supported by the Ipswich Best Bar None Scheme, which recognises establishments that strive for best practice and responsible management.

Heat one is Saturday, June 20, at the Kingfisher pub with subsequents try-outs on Saturday, July 4, at Inspire Suffolk; Sunday, July 19, at the Kingfisher pub and Saturday, July 11 at DanceEast. The semi-final takes place at Ipswich Town Football Club on Sunday, September 6. The final is Friday, November 13, at the Regent.

Last year’s winner, Jay Austin of Just Jay Dance, said performing at the packed theatre was an amazing opportunity.

“The children that I teach that were able to come and, hopefully, it gave them the inspiration to perform. Being the first dance troupe to win meant so much as well and Ipswich Has Got Talent gave us the buzz to carry on doing what we do best and planning for our own show.”

Visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/talent to apply.