Britain's Got Talent starts this weekend (16/04/11) on ITV1, and the UK's biggest variety show promises to be even bigger and better. With two new judges, comedian Michael Macintyre, and American actor David Hasselhoff (aka 'The Hoff'), joining the ever present Amanda Holden and hosts Ant & Dec, it remains to be seen whether the same format will work as well without former judges Piers Morgan and reality TV talent show legend Simon Cowell.

Now in it's fourth series, the first three years have unearthed some fantastic British talent including the first ever winner, Opera singer Paul Potts, teenager dancer George Sampson, dance group Diversity, and gymnastic/ acrobatic troupe, Spellbound who won last year and have been slated to be appearing in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. However, who could forget the incredible story of Susan Boyle, who went from living a very ordinary life in Scotland to being an overnight internet singing sensation - and she didn't even win!

So what can we expect from this years show? Well, we will have to wait and see, but one thing that is for certain is that a variety of acts from Essex will play a big part in the contest. And following on from recent success in the X-Factor, with two singing stars residing near Chelmsford, namely 2010 winner Matt Cardle, and 2009 runner-up Olly Murs, the county is certainly in with a shout.

So really, has Essex, and in particular, Chelmsford got talent? Well, since 2009, did you know that the town has held its own talent contest? Founded by two members of the Chelmsford branch of the Salvation Army the event has raised approximately £1,000 each year for charitable causes, with the last two years seeing all monies raised donated to a new charity called ‘Action Africa'.

Although Chelmsford's Got Talent (CGT) is held at the Salvation Army's new building in Baddow Road, Chelmsford, the contest is open to anyone & everyone from anywhere. Taking place each Spring, the finals attract an audience of hundreds of people, including members of the media and talent scouts, in which contestants compete for the title and a donated cash prize. The event provides a great platform for local performers to show off their talents with a whole range of different variety acts.

The 2011 final of Chelmsford's Got Talent took place in February and saw former Chelmer Valley High School girl Amy Westney voted the winner by a packed audience. The 21 year old played guitar and sang here own songs to walk away with the £200 cash prize ahead of the other nine finalists. Speaking afterwards, Ms Westney said her passion was music and she was hopeful of making it her career after receiving some fantastic exposure during the contest.

A few miles down the road, the town of Braintree also has their own show. Known unsurprisingly as ‘Braintree's Got Talent', this is also a well supported and attended event, taking place in (month). Organised by the Braintree Rotary Club, all monies raised goes directly to local charities and in 2010, donated £1,200 to Farleigh Hospice. The final, in 2011 was held at St. Anne's Castle in Great Leighs, and won by local Braintree singer, Joe Baker.

The winners of both the Chelmsford's Got Talent & Braintree's Got Talent, now go forward to the ‘Essex Factor' which is a countywide singing competition for all the local winners in each of their respective towns. The heats are being held at Chicago's in Basildon and are run over a six week period, with the event culminating in a grand final at the Civic Hall, Grays in mid May. The winner, out of the total twenty acts, of the Essex Factor will win a recording contract worth £5,000 and a great opportunity to hit the big time and get into the UK music charts.

Another showcase for local talent is the Open Mic' Talent Night which offers anyone the chance to take to the stage. Held every month at the The Red Lion Pub in New London Road, Chelmsford, this is always a popular event and you never know just what you are going to get, from music to comedy, as well as other novelty and variety acts. This professionally run event always creates a good atmosphere so why not bring along your friends and family and give it a go?

If you are a musician or singer, another option for you would be the aforementioned St. Anne's Castle Acoustic Open Mic' Night. Based in Great Leighs half way between Chelmsford and Braintree, their talent night is held on the first Tuesday of every month. Over the years all genres of music have been played, but it has now moved to a more folk style and is still hugely successful. Who knows, if they like you, you may even be invited back on a Thursday or Friday night to play you own gig. Or you could give the Norton Public House in Chelmsford a try as they also host Open Mic' Evenings for local singing and musical talent.

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a comedian, and frankly, who doesn't, then there may occasionally be an opportunity for comedy acts to perform, at the Comedy Club in Waterfront Place, Chelmsford. Every now and then they may hold an Open Mic' Night, with the jokes coming thick and fast providing a fun and varied night out. It not only provides the audience with an entertaining few hours comedy you may just see, or become, a comic star of the future.

If you think you have a hidden talent, then why not find out more about how to make part in one of Chelmsford's local talent shows and prove that Chelmsford really has got talent.

Have Your Say

If you have been to one of these talent shows, either as a performer or as a member of the audience, please let us know waht you thought and what it was like by leaving your comments below.