Charlotte Finnin up on stage during the 'Ballarat's Got Talent' event.
Talent is common at Ballarat’s Bray Raceway – but it’s usually on display out on the track.
So while a bumper 11-race trotting card was being run on Saturday night, a huge 45-act talent contest was taking place on stage in the main complex.
Ballarat’s Got Talent was billed as an all ages contest for musicians, dancers and group acts and it didn’t disappoint.
Organiser Garry West said 2000 people came through the gates and were treated to an array of talent both locally and further abroad.
He said more than $5000 in prizes was distributed on the night.
“We’re extremely pleased,” he said. “It’s a great event for Ballarat and district’s emerging talent.”
Mr West said there was something for everyone on Saturday night, which raised money for Kids with Cancer and BLOC Music Theatre.
“We had a really big crowd of all ages and with lots of families,” he said.
“There was lots of people from Ballarat this year, far more than last time which was good.”
Mr West said about $1000 was raised through a gold-coin donation system.
“There were local school bands, lots of solo artists, duos and trios,” he said.
“It’s modelled after Australia’s Got Talent, so next year we’d like to get a lot more specialty acts.”
Local dance group Beaver Shakers Crew took out a dance group award, while Ballarat’s Christy Allford came third for her singing effort.
Frankston’s Sheralyn May Hill and Ashburton’s Chantelle Defina took out second and first place respectively.
