Singing, dancing hopefuls bid for talent show fame

From dancers to singers Maidstone definitely had talent as crowds gathered to audition for a hit TV show on Sunday.

People from all ages arrived at the bandstand in Fremlin Walk to showcase their very best acts to win a slot on next year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

But you wouldn’t have spotted the famous faces of judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams in the shopping centre this weekend.

Instead, those who lined up performed to producers and hoped to make it through to the next round for the chance to wow the celebrity dreammakers.

It’s not the first time trials have been held in the County Town – last year they took place at the Hazlitt Theatre in Earl Street.

The ITV programme has featured everything from comedians to dancing dogs over the years. Last year London-born Richard Jones, a serving soldier, was crowned winner with his virtuoso magic skills.

Maidstone has enjoyed some BGT success including dancer Joe Stribley, who reached the semi- finals last year with five-piece tap group The Beat Brothers.

Eccles man Adam Chandler, one quarter of swing band Jack Pack, and Maidstone’s Lily Vincent-Frankland, part of 26-strong troupe The Addict Initiative, both made it to the finals in 2014.

But, after a public phone-in vote, both acts missed out on making the final three.

If you missed your chance, you could pop along to Tunbridge Wells today (Friday). Auditions will be from 4pm to 11pm at the Assembly Hall Theatre. To apply visit itv.com/talent