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Colchester Has Talent is the city’s most dynamic youth talent competition, back for 2025 and bigger than ever! Designed to showcase Colchester’s brightest young stars, this exciting event is open to anyone aged 8 to 16 with a passion to perform—whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, perform magic, tell jokes, or have a sporting or unique skill. If you’ve got a talent and love being on stage, this is your chance to shine.
The competition takes place at the vibrant Popina Lion Walk Courtyard, right in the heart of Colchester’s city centre. This year’s heats are set for Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th August (2pm–5pm), with the Grand Final on Saturday 13th September (2pm–5pm). The winner will earn an unforgettable opportunity: a star performance at the city’s iconic Christmas Light Switch-On, alongside Santa and a host of festive guests!
Entry is free and open to solo or duet acts, with each performance no longer than two minutes. All talents are welcome, and participants must be available for at least one heat and the Grand Final. Each round is judged by a panel of expert judges, and the atmosphere is always buzzing with support from friends, family, and the community. Ready to take your place on the stage? Please complete the application form below, attaching a video or link, and submit below!
1. Parental or Guardian Consent I confirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the child named in this application for Colchester Has Talent, held at Lion Walk Courtyard, Colchester. I give full consent for my child to participate in all stages of the competition, including application, auditions, qualifying rounds, and final performances. 2. Age & Eligibility I confirm my child is aged between 8 and 16 years old as required by the event’s eligibility criteria. 3. Adult Supervision Required My child must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times during every stage of the competition process, including application, auditions, rehearsals, and live performances, as well as any time spent backstage or waiting. I understand that Lion Walk Courtyard staff, event organisers, or volunteers cannot and will not be responsible for the supervision, care, or welfare of any participant under 18 at any time. 4. Safety & Conduct I confirm that my child’s performance will not include any hazardous, dangerous, or inappropriate material or props and will comply with the event’s guidelines. I understand that the organisers reserve the right to remove or disqualify any act deemed unsafe, unsuitable, or in breach of event rules. 5. Photography, Video, and Data Usage I grant permission for photographs, videos, and other media featuring my child to be used by Lion Walk Courtyard and event partners for promotional purposes, event publicity, and related marketing activities, including on social media and in future events. I understand that my contact information will only be used for communications about this event and managed according to relevant privacy policies. 6. Liability & Indemnity I acknowledge that while reasonable safety precautions will be taken, Lion Walk Courtyard, its staff, agents, event partners, and sponsors accept no liability for any loss, damage, or injury incurred during participation, except as required by law. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the organisers and venue against any claims arising out of my child’s participation in the event. 7. Acknowledgment By submitting this application, I confirm that I have read and understood all the above terms, agree to comply, and accept all conditions. I understand that failure to adhere to these requirements may result in my child’s disqualification or removal from the event.