AN AUDIENCE of hundreds watched some of the county’s best young talent strut their stuff at the Kassam Stadium.

The Talent Oxford finals featured 64 young acts aiming to make it big, including dancers, singers and musicians.

Competition was so fierce the judging panel kept the crowds waiting as they agonised over their decisions for 45 minutes before handing out 10 awards on Saturday.

Organiser Lydiah Igweh, who set up the event two years ago in memory of her late younger sister Samantha, said: “It was manic but everyone seemed to enjoy it and I’m actually sad that it’s finished.

“Last year we had just 16 finalists and this time it was 64 so it has really grown.

“My sister died of diabetes in October 2009 when she was 28. She used to love performing. She’s not here anymore but it’s a great way to leave something in her memory in her county.”

Aspiring opera singer Eleanor Williams won the Best Vocal award for her performance of Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro.

The 15-year-old from Faringdon, who will be performing in a talent showcase in Didcot in September, said: “It’s my passion, I really want to be an opera singer when I’m older.

“It’s definitely a lot of hard work and I practise every day. I started singing when I was about four, I did a solo in a school play and it’s just gone from there.”

Eleven-year-old Ian Muhungi from Bicester won an award for his drumming act. Moses Munji, the Southwold Primary School pupil’s father, said: “He practises very hard and he did very well.”

Miss Igweh said the competition would only take place next year if more sponsors could be found. She also appealed for more young performers to take part in a show in Oxford this Christmas.

If your business can help sponsor the event in 2012 or you want to perform at the Christmas show contact Lydiah@talentoxford.co.uk

THE WINNERS

* Best Vocal: Eleanor Williams

* Best Dance Act: Kyron Anthony

* Most Original Act: Lotti Carter

* Best Group: Dance Connection

* Aspiring Star: Sharna Clark

JUNIORS:

*Best Vocal: Neda Monadajem

* Best Dance Act: Joseph Darce-Alder

* Most Original Act: Numa Shar

* Best Group: Jacinta and Alyssa Linstrom

* Aspiring Star: Ian Muhungi