Bolton's certainly Got Talent!

Stars in the making took to the stage for Bolton's first talent contest in recent years.

The contest was organised by Backup North West, a charity dedicated to providing supported and emergency accommodation for young people of Bolton to celebrate and showcase the talent in the town.

Maura Jackson CEO and host for the evening said: “We wanted an event that wasn’t just about Backup, that was about people and about Bolton. Yes, we are raising some money but most of all we are making friends and memories and possibly making stars of the future."

Stars for a Night was sponsored by Bolton FM, Bolton News and Holiday Inn.

Bolton FM provided the professional technical and sound required.

The Bolton News: Richard Duggan, Rachel Darne, Maura Jackson, Mayor of Bolton, Angela Kelly

The auditions were held in July this year and 11 talented individuals got through to the final.

The judges, who faced a tough decision, were Mayor of Bolton Cllr Mohammed Ayub, Angela Kelly PR and freelance consultant, Richard Duggan – The Bolton News Regional Editor North West and Rachel Darne from Bolton FM

The judges were looking at style, stage presence, quality and audience response as part of their scoring.

The prize for the winner was £250 cash prize, PR consultation and chance to perform at the Backup Gala Ball on 16th March 2024.

The acts, said organisers were breath taking and inspiring.

There were nine singers and two comedians:

•Lily Smethurst, 15, singing Love will find me again

•Simi Adebanjo, 14, singing Ain’t no other man

•Kevin O’Brien, stand up comedian

•Amelia Phipps, 15, singing Yours

•Grace Anais singing Everybody’s talking about Jamie

•Wareh Sallah singing (in Japanese!) Natori Eureka

•Adam Anwar, stand up comedian

•Kallea McKee, 13, singing Control

•Skyler Kempt singing Defying Gravity

•Liam Martin performing acapella

The entertainment on the evening was provided by another talented bunch from Bolton – a band called Archeaus who formed whilst at Markland Hill Primary School.

Five amazing 11-year-olds belted out classics like Highway to Hell, Smells like teen spirit and Sweet Child O’ Mine.

Due to the calibre and quality of the acts judges agreed on a runner up on the night and that was Kallea McKee, the youngest entrant who at just 13 had a voice so powerful, so melodic, it was intoxicating, said judges.

The winner was Adam Anwar, who is a Bolton born stand up comedian who wowed the judges with his “original material, observational wit and star quality”.

Adam said “I never thought I had a chance because the singers were all so amazing. This is brilliant.”

Stars for a night – will be back in 2024 but all the entrants who took part are definitely going to be stars for more than just one night.