Semi finalists showcase their talent

Photo: Laura Wild

Semi Finalist - Ceara Brown

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The Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre car park was transformed this weekend (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May) as shoppers were given a real taste of what Rochdale has to offer.

The Exchange Shopping Centre hosted ‘Rochdale’s Got’ featuring a showcase of all the semi-finalists for the Rochdale's Got Talent competition.

Stands offering face painting, card making, fitness tests and driving awareness tests were on offer.

Throughout the weekend the semi-finalists took to the stage to give the public a live glimpse of their talents ready for the online public voting to begin.

Semi finalist, Courtney Cecere performed the hit song ‘Bridge over troubled waters’ in front of a bustling audience in the marquee.

Afterwards Ms Cecere said: “I think it went amazing, I just love to perform. I want to wish everyone in the competition good luck.”

Singer and Songwriter Ellysse Mason was next to perform, Ms Mason wrote the song which she sang and played the guitar to.

Afterwards Ms Mason said: “I entered Rochdale’s Got Talent because I really want to be a song writer and I want to be successful.”

Her proud mum, Emma Travis said: “I think that was a wonderful performance and I am very proud Ellysse has got this far.”

Ceara Brown sang Hallelujah on Sunday, afterwards she said: "I was really nervous and couldn't stop shaking. I entered because I know I need to be more confident. I started singing in about September and really enjoy it."

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre Manager, was happy with what he had seen throughout the day, he said: “The set up here is great, this is the biggest thing we have ever done here and hopefully it will be the first of many events like this.”

In between the acts performances from ‘Just Dance’ took place, plus a fashion show of models wearing all clothes available from the mall was presented, and on Saturday the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift, also took to the stage to sing to the gathering crowd.

Mayor Swift said: “There is a fantastic amount of talent in Rochdale. The Mayoress and I have seen it all year and have been thoroughly impressed with all the exceptional musicians in the borough. They are a credit. Of course, one or two of us are more mature people!”