A “FESTIVAL of talent” for young people is once again showcasing the best of the district’s local schools.

Singers, dancers and other entertainers from over 30 Bradford schools have been involved in the annual event, and the first of two semi finals will be held this Friday.

Now known as the City of Bradford Festival of Talent, the annual event was started by former Lady Mayoress Elizabeth Sharp in 2015.

Then known as the Lady Mayoress’ Festival of Talent, the contest was started as a way for pupils to express themselves and show off their skills in a variety of fields outside the classroom.

Winners of the contest will get an afternoon tea and reception in City Hall with current Lord Mayor Councillor Geoff Reid, a trophy, and the chance to perform at the Bradford Schools Proms later this year.

This year has seen the highest number of entrants in the event’s short history, and the latest batch of semi finalists are currently perfecting their acts for the semi finals.

They include cheerleading groups, dancers, singers and a bhangra group.

Competitors come from both primary and secondary schools from across the Bradford district, and all acts are student led.

After the first contest, Mrs Sharp told the scores of children taking part: “When I had this dream I wanted to promise an evening of showbiz and sparkle and you have given exactly that.

“Today has been about performance and celebrating that performance. I think you have done an amazing job. The judges have an unenviable task.

“What they have decided doesn’t really matter, you are all stars tonight. You all look like stars, you have all performed like stars and I am proud of you all.”

She has since seen the contest grow from strength to strength, and although she is no longer Lady Mayoress, she still runs the annual contest.

Mrs Sharp, also secretary of the Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts, said: “It is a free-to-enter, totally inclusive competition aimed at all primary and secondary schools within the Bradford Metropolitan District, and encompasses all kinds and genres of performing arts, and is essentially a celebration of children and youngsters living within the district.

“This year has proved to be the most successful to date with over 30 acts taking part.

“These range from solo singing, through spoken word and acting to dance, street dance, Bollywood dance, choirs, instrumentalists and a band.”

The first semi-final takes place on Friday at Bradford College, in the Henry Mitchell Theatre at 6pm. It will see performers from secondary schools Appleton Academy, Grange Technology College, Hanson Academy, Titus Salt School, Dixon Kings Academy, Laisterdyke Leadership College and Bradford Academy taking part.

The second semi final, the following week, will involve primary schools including Brackenhill, Lapage, Wibsey, Poplars Farm, Low Ash, Lowerfields, Heaton Beckfoot and Dixon Music Academy.

Donations on both evenings will be collected in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Winners from the final, held in the college on March 10, will perform at the prestigious Schools’ Prom 2017.