IPSWICH: Never let it be said that our young singers, dancers and musicians aren’t a gifted lot.

While final preparations took place for this year’s eagerly anticipated final of Ipswich Has Got Talent, other young hopefuls were taking their first steps to stardom at Open Mic UK’s final regional auditions.

Some of the region’s most promising performers combined hard work and talent in an entertaining weekend.

The police HQ at Martlesham Heath hosted dress rehearsals for the big final of Ipswich Has Got Talent – a search for the best new artists in Ipswich over the age of 10.

The competition, run by the borough council and supported by The Evening Star, Town 102FM, Grapevine, Ipswich Community Partnership and Suffolk Constabulary, reaches its climax next month when the finalists are due to appear live on the main stage at the Ipswich Regent Theatre – the winner scooping �500 cash.

Last year’s winners are also set to perform, as the likes of Pink Lemonade, Vice Versa and Summer Jones go head-to-head on Friday, November 19, to be named 2010’s most talented.

Over at the Corn Exchange, more bright young things were vying for a place in the national area heats of this year’s Open Mic UK talent search.

Thousands of acts from across the country have auditioned, and the best Ipswich has to offer performed live in front of judges and an audience in an attempt to progress to the area finals and then compete at London’s O2 Arena for a recording contract.

The under-18s category saw five acts go through to the area finals, to be held in November and December. Meanwhile, four talented hopefuls progressed from both the 18 to 25 and over 25 sections.

Entertainment writer for Love Music 24 and The Evening Star’s Jenny Lock was among the judging panel. She said: “There were some really good acts on show – some of who will be going on to compete for some great prizes in the area finals.

“All the entrants were solo performers, but could be accompanied by an instrument, so they relied on their talent to get them through.”

- What do you think of Ipswich’s talent? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk