TALENTED groups and individuals from around the county are set to go head-to-head with the return of Lakes Got Talent.

The talent contest started way back in 2012 by James Farrow, who had started working as a runner on Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, falling ‘completely in love’ with the idea of bringing a taste of the hit show back to his hometown.

Lakes Got Talent will return to Ulverston’s Coro Hall on November 19 for its tenth anniversary – a venue that holds a ‘special place’ in the heart of James who has been performing there since his school years.

It is the first Lakes Got Talent event since it came to a halt in 2017.

“Putting on another Lakes Got Talent has always been in the back of my mind,” said James. “It’s always so much fun to get back on stage surrounded by people who have the same interests.

“I got the idea for the anniversary during the first lockdown. I couldn’t stop thinking about how many people had to stop performing and all the venues having to close, some permanently.

“The 10-year anniversary came at the right time, a celebration not only for the show but a celebration for the people who held onto that fire, determination and enthusiasm through lockdown to performance once more…get those people a stage!”

The judges met with James to decide who would be returning for the anniversary show, which sees finalists from previous competitions fight for the top spot.

Mr Farrow said: “The choices were made based on their overall performance within the previous competition and also celebrating their work and growth since being part of the show.

“If you’re coming to our 10 year anniversary show, you can expect some unforgettable performances from some of the regions most talented people. It’s sure to be filled with laughter, nostalgia, tears and of course the main ingredient to a Lakes Got Talent show… the unexpected. We don’t like the rule book.”

Those returning includes Voce, Megan Rampton, Carlisle Dance Academy, Stephenson School Of Dance, Revelation, Chris Barker, Sugarfoot, Gabrielle Dams, Anthony Collins, When All Else Fails, Faye Bowness, Tokari School Of Dance, KS Musicals, Sasha Johnson, and Connor Wood of Perfect Fourth.

This year Lakes Got Talent will be raising funds for MND.

For tickets, visit: www.thecoro.co.uk