IPSWICH: Talent of all shapes, sizes and diversities right across the town are being given the chance to showcase their acts over the coming weeks and months.

And today the message has gone out to singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and anyone else who has got a special show for the stage, to enter the 2010 Ipswich’s Got Talent contest.

The competition was officially launched yesterday at Ipswich’s Regent Theatre,where this year’s grand final will take place, as organisers and supporters sent out a clear message that they wanted to embrace a whole host of acts.

Organiser Kevin Smith said: “We really want to get as many people with a range of talents involved this year and would welcome any act or acts who want to take part.

“I think our message is: ‘If you think you’ve got what it takes to get on stage and perform, then we want to hear from you.’ It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to show us what they can do.

“It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appear live on stage at the Regent.”

Heats are set to take place at venues right across the town from August through to October, with the semi-finals due to be held at Suffolk Police headquarters at Martlesham towards the end of October.

The final is at the Regent on Thursday, November 19, and will feature the top ten to 12 acts plus cabaret spots from last year’s winners Dave Clarke and Camilla Nunn, and Ipswich band Hot Fuzz.

The competition is being run by the borough council and supported by The Evening Star, Heart FM and the Grapevine, and is open to anyone aged ten and over.

Taking on the formidable role of Simon Cowell and his Britain’s Got Talent judges will be Nadia Cenci, the borough council’s communities portfolio-holder, Jim Manning, community safety manager, Superintendent David Skevington, from Suffolk police, Russell Cook, Evening Star news editor, and Sharon Coney, from Heart FM.

The winning act will get �500.

Ms Cenci said: “As well as being an entertaining evening with first-class talent on show, it will continue to increase awareness of Ipswich as a thriving arts and culture centre and bring all different ages and backgrounds together.”

The mayor’s charities will benefit from the proceeds.

Application forms are now available from the venues hosting the heats and also by e-mailing ihgt2010@yahoo.co.uk or call 07798 888900.

n Have you got a special talent? Tell us your story. Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk