Southport's Got Talent are looking for contestants.....

Dave Walker, Neil Newton, Chris Erskine, Teresa Esrkine, Neil Hepworth and Kelli Paul launch the 2015 Southport's Got Talent contest

Organisers of Southport’s Got Talent are appealing for would-be contestants to get in touch - with £1,000 in cash up for grabs for the lucky winner.

Southport’s Got Talent 2015 starts at 8pm on Friday, February 20 at a new venue - The Phoenix pub on Coronation Walk in Southport town centre. Heats will then take place on subsequent Friday nights at The Phoenixl leading to a grand final.

And organisers believe the new Friday night slot could also bring in the biggest crowds the event has seen yet.

Sky TV presenter Neil Newton, who is hosting the contest, said: “It's the first year that we've held the competition on a Friday night. We've chosen to do this as it's much better for people who work and for families, who will be able to stay later.

“The whole team are really excited to be bringing the show to the Phoenix.

“It's ideal, every seat in the house has a great view.

“It's going to be one big party. We've also tweaked the show, so, there are a lot of new twists that the audience won't be expecting.

“The ethos of supporting talent though remains the same.

“One thousand pounds in cash is the prize for the eventual winner and a whole host of other prizes. We're now looking for entrants of all ages to apply for the original and best search for new talent.”

This year will be the fifth in the series, which is supported by the Southport Visiter.

Neil Newton said: “We started Southport’s Got Talent in 2009, so we have been going for a couple of years and the Southport Visiter has always supported us.”

This time, not only do the winners get their hands on £1,000 in cash, but they also win some valuable time in the recording studio to record an album, should their talent be of a musical nature.

But Neil is keen to stress that they welcome all gifts and skills at the contest.

He said: “I always ask myself after another successful year ‘are we going to do better next year?’ and we always do.

“I am just blown away by the sheer amount of talent in Southport. We have had contestants go on to the final of Britain’s Got Talent and people appearing on the X-Factor.

“We welcome everyone at the shows – dancers, bands, comedians, magicians, singers – and we are open to all ages.

“If you have been singing your heart out on karaoke then we want to hear you.”

There will be no harsh Simon Cowell-style put-downs at this show.

Neil said: “This is a search for a star and it is a great night out for everyone.

“We have about eight acts a night and it really is a lovely, supportive atmosphere for all the acts.

“The judges are all professional and although, ultimately, someone has to win, we focus our critique on the positives.”

Call 01704 513233 or email info@phoenixpub.net for more information on the 2015 contest.

Story and Photo Source: Southport Visitor