Bright young talents took to the stage for Heat One of Colchester Has Talent on Sunday, August 23, showcasing their skills in front of a buzzing live audience and the Colchester Has Talent judging panel.
Among those taking to the stage was 15-year-old Henry Kemp, who demonstrated his musical might with a rock medley performed on electric guitar.
Minnie Hurton, aged nine, also impressed with her vocal performance of Astonishing from the musical Little Women, while 13-year-old Charlotte Pang combined vocals and acoustic guitar for her performance of Self Aware by Temper City.
In total ten competitors took part in an incredibly high standard heat, but it was Henry, Minnie and Charlotte who won their place in the final on the nod of the judging panel featuring Katie Skingle, Managing Director of KAT Marketing; Segun Lawal, Head Judge and internationally recognised artistic director; and Megan Juniper from Colchester Fringe.
Katie said: “It was fantastic to see Colchester Has Talent return and to find three young performers who each brought something completely different to send through to the grand final.
“One of the things we have always wanted Colchester Has Talent to do is give young people an opportunity to perform in front of a supportive live audience, build their confidence and demonstrate just how much creative talent we have locally.
“Heat One certainly delivered that, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what the next group of performers brings in September.”
Segun added: “The first heat is always an exciting moment because it sets the tone and reminds us exactly why this competition was created. It is about giving young people a genuine platform on which they can express themselves, challenge themselves and enjoy performing before a live audience. What a massive learning experience!
“We saw some brilliant individuality in the first heat and we’re excited to welcome our next performers on September 13. We’d love to see another great crowd there cheering them on!”
Martin Leatherdale, manager of Lion Walk Shopping Centre, said: “Colchester Has Talent has become a fantastic celebration of the creativity and talents of young people from across our community. It’s always exciting to see new performers take to the stage and to welcome families, friends and visitors to Lion Walk supporting the young stars.
“Heat One was a brilliant start to this year’s competition, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the next heat on September 13 and what promises to be another fantastic Grand Final on September 20.”
Colchester Has Talent was launched in 2024 and has since provided free-to-enter performance opportunities for more than 60 young people, while attracting thousands of people to its live events in Colchester city centre.
The competition has also provided a springboard for young performers to gain further experience and exposure, with the winner each year invited to perform live at the Christmas Lights Switch On event in Colchester city centre.
Attention now turns to Heat Two on Sunday, September 13, 2pm to 5pm, when another group of talented young performers will showcase their skills in Colchester’s Lion Walk Shopping Centre.
Organisers are encouraging families, friends and members of the public to come along, support the contestants and enjoy the performances.
The competition will then culminate in the Colchester Has Talent 2026 Grand Final on Sunday, September 20, when this year’s finalists will compete for the title.
