WATFORD'S GOT TALENT!
Hertfordshire Cruse celebrates the Golcen Jubilee with an extravaganza, Ignite the Night!

Hertfordshire Cruse held a fashion show and evening of entertainment at the Colosseum in Watford on 24 April, "Ignite the Night!" featuring a host of local international talent and supported by many local businesses who provided food, fashion, hair and makeup, music and photography and much else to make the night swing.

The objective of the event was to raise funds to establish a service for bereaved children, Kids' Cruse.

Featuring Watford's very own incarnation of Ant and Dec - Rich and Lee of The Vibe 101.8FM - the evening kicked off with an explosion of sound and colour: a series of fashion shows with clothes, shoes and handbags modelled by girls and boys, men and women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

There were demonstrations and dancing by young people from a local schools and studios. A turn on the stage by Salsa experts - reminiscent of Strictly Come Dancing, with a spectacular daring spangly costume - showed how salsa is not just the domain of the fit and young, with others on stage from the class who were able to show that nifty footwork and a certain grace could be achieved by most people.

Talented young people gave some breathtaking performances from around the world - dancing and drumming - and more fashion included colourful African outfits with the Nigerian Experience.

Watford also revealed its own incarnation of Barry Manilow - without the piano - with Les Lowther, who clearly wowed the ladies with a repertoire of favourite and familiar rock ballads.

To round off the event with a grand finale there was a popular appearance by Amy Connelly, X-Factor finalist.

Apart from the action on stage, there was also a colourful and busy market place with local firms offering gifts and fashion - clothes, jewellery and handbags - as well as West African food.

The event was well attended and the audience included people of all ages, from six to 86, and from many cultures - a real community happening. Guests included Watford's Civic Mayor, Cllr Jan Brown, and her Consort, Ian.

The main organiser was Lesley Lopez, pictured left with Rich and Lee, who is vice-chair of Cruse in Hertfordshire and also Head of Patient Services at Watford General Hospital.

Photographs were taken throughout the evening by local photographer Paul Winterton, and the full gallery can be seen online here on his website.

Read the write-up in the local press here.