IPSWICH: Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity are coming to Ipswich, it can be revealed today.

The dazzling dance troupe are the first artists to be announced for this summer’s Big Friday spectacular in Christchurch Park, which is one of many Ip-Art events scheduled for the coming months.

Ashley Banjo, the group’s leader and choreographer, has been dancing since he was five.

The age of the 11-strong outfit from East London and Essex ranges from 12 to 25.

Described as “sheer and utter perfection” by notoriously hard to please Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, Diversity took the UK by storm after their appearances on the ITV1 show.

Fusing various musical genres, from classical to hip-hop, their diverse and eye-popping routines won the hearts of the nation.

Fans were glued to their television screens as the dance act beat the odds and swept to victory over hot favourite Susan Boyle in one of the most watched TV programmes in these shores for more than six years.

Since winning the show, Diversity have performed in front of The Queen at The Royal Variety Show, were the first act to actually perform outside 10 Downing Street in front of the prime minister, opened the Pride of Britain awards, were asked by the late Michael Jackson to open all 50 of his This Is It shows and have travelled the length of the country dancing for their legion of fans.

“Big Friday brings some of the UK’s most talented artists to Ipswich for one night only for what promises to be an extraordinary evening of music and dance,” said promoter David Mansfield.

“And we’ve more exciting acts to announce over the coming days.

“Anyone who’s seen Diversity perform can’t help but be enthralled and their 20-minute set will be an amazing opportunity for fans to really see what they can do first-hand.”

n Tickets for Big Friday, at Christchurch Park from 7pm on July 9, go on sale at the Ipswich Regent from 9.30am today.