People we support and our colleagues had an amazing day at the Choice Got Talent Grand Final which took place on Wednesday 4th October!

Often described as 'the best day of the year' by attendees - Choice Got Talent is our annual event where people we support get to share their talents in front of a live audience of over 300 residents, colleagues and relatives. This year we were able to share the event even further with live streaming, which meant that people we support and colleagues who were unable to join us in person could join in the fun online! The final was one of the best yet, with performers from Ballards Ash, Oakley Lodge, Springfield House, Fritham Lodge and Caernewydd Farm - to name but a few! 

The weather was fine as everyone arrived at the MECA in Swindon, which was decked out in great finery. People received a warm welcome and were guided to their seats, as the atmosphere grew and grew. Our wonderful compere, Amy, introduced the amazing judges: Emma, Louis and Helena who were in charge of the very difficult judging process! 

Our first act was a fabulous team group – the Ballards Ash Singers – who sang a wonderful rendition of Sweet Caroline! We were then treated to a range of beautiful singing, rapping, dancing and even a film of animal tricks from a very clever cat! 

With over 25 performers, we were kept entertained all afternoon – with fantastic renditions of ‘Frankie’, ‘Living on a prayer’ and ‘Buffalo Soldier’ to name but a few! The judges were kept busy and were so impressed – as were the audience who were singing along and waving glowsticks. During the judges’ deliberation, we were even treated to an impromptu Welsh serenade from one of the people we support who has just joined Choice Care! 

The winners and runners up were announced and we all left happy and with sore throats after so much singing! 

Many, many thanks to all the performers and colleagues who helped people to attend – and to our wonderful compere and judges – and of course to our fantastic team of organisers who made this wonderful event happen! 

Valerie, our CEO said: ‘Wow, what a performance! I enjoyed Choice Got Talent so much! So much singing, laughing, dancing and audience participation! Thank you so much to our wonderful performers and to everyone who made this happen!’