It’s time to break out the sequins, warm up the vocal chords and choose a star you wish to impersonate.
It is all for the popular fundraiser, the biennial County Lions of Ashburton’s Stars In Your Eyes.
The first Stars In Your Eyes ran in 2017. It was won by Libby Higson as Adele. Murran Buller as Cher took the 2018 title, while Olivia Fox as Olivia Newton-John won in 2023.
Co-ordinator Nicki Kelly said people wanting to perform needed to get their entries in, sending in a recording of themselves.
‘‘People perform the song, dance or act they have chosen and send it to us on a USB stick. For the audition they don’t need to dress as their star.’’
Twelve finalists will be chosen and these stars will get to perform before a judging panel. As well as the judging panel selecting their winner the public at the event choose the People’s Choice winner.
Those who are selected for the live performance will need to dress in costume as their star and organise their own make up and hair.
‘‘We record a two-minute video on the person. We video them doing the things they like doing, at their school, or place of work,’’ Kelly said.
This is shown on the night, prior to each competitor’s performance.
Once the video is played, the host asks ‘‘Who will you be?’’ The performer responds ‘‘Tonight I am going to be (name of the star)’’. Then through a smoke screen they emerge and perform their number.
The competition is open to anyone of any age, and bands can have up to four members.
The funds raised from the evening, which generally sells out, will go to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Mission 26 and other charities. The 2023 event raised $14,000 for the helicopter.
‘‘As a service club, Lions enjoy organising this event with many voluntary hours behind the scenes to make it a fun evening. To ensure we are able to give all the money raised to charity we are seeking sponsorship for the event,’’ Kelly said.
– Entries for the County Lions of Ashburton Stars in your eyes close September 19. Entry forms are available from Nicki 0273028025 or the Ashburton Event Centre. Stars In Your Eyes will stage October 17.
