Audience members were treated to some stunning star turns from talented acts at this year’s Walsall’s Got Talent show giving the judging panel the tough task of selecting two worthy winners from so many deserving performers.
The event, organised through Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity, took place at Pelsall Community and Arts Centre. And this year’s competition was split into two separate categories: 17 and under and adults.
Each category had its own winner and runner-up, ensuring more opportunities for performers of all ages to be recognised.
The proud 17 and under winner was Lola Faith Hargreaves. The 13-year-old sang a song she had written herself and after scooping the £250 top prize she said: “I’m so shocked. I am so proud of myself and I never thought I’d be here tonight and would win.
“It feels amazing.”
Judah Maley, 21, won the adult category with his version of What Is Love, and also picked up £250.
He said: “I feel surprised, I wasn’t expecting it at all – and to be the winner. I am so grateful.
“The acts were fantastic and I’m so happy to have won. I plan to spend my winnings on an Uber home, and I might have some left over ha ha!”
The runners up in each category – Maisy Scott and Xabia Chopra – went home with £150 each.
Georgie Westley and Nicole Messam from Well Wishers Fundraising Team put on the event for its second year and were supported by sponsors Vibrant Networks, Cotton Candy Travel, Walsh Funerals & Memorials, Sports Plus Scheme and Geoff’s Decks
Guests included Walsall’s Deputy Mayor Councillor Jim Parsons and Mayoress Julie Parsons, and Martin Levermore MBE DL who is Chair of the charity. And the judging panel featured Sacha Jones, Nahanda Ferguson, Samantha Hale and Andy Mulligan. The event raised £2027.50.
Among the audience was Jonathan Morris, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Team Leader at Walsall Healthcare, who said: “To say it was a brilliant evening was an understatement. Thank you to all those involved for putting on this show, you were all just so brilliant and I genuinely feel I have gotten a west end performance for a fraction of the price!
“Every act did themselves proud, from the youngsters to the adults – it genuinely was heart-warming and inspiring to watch them all go on stage and give such fantastic performances.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare, thanked Pelsall Community Centre, KIC Radio and The Life of Norris, as well as all the companies who donated raffle prizes.
She added: “Walsall’s Got Talent really lived up to its name again this year and I’d like to congratulate everyone who went on stage on Saturday night to give us an unforgettable, entertaining evening.
“We’ve had so many lovely comments from the audience and all of our performers should be proud of themselves – we’ve definitely got some future stars in the making. A huge thank you too goes to our wonderful sponsors and supporters for helping us make the show another big success.”
