Talented young performers will be competing for the title The Next Big Thing 2019 next month.

Organised by Manx charity Junior Achievement Isle of Man, the talent contest for 10- to 18-year-olds saw 65 acts audition and 13 make it through to the grand final.

Junior Achievement chief executive Sue Cook said: ’We always encourage every type of variety act to enter and this year’s line-up for the final promises to make for a brilliant night’s entertainment. We’ve six vocalists: Allison Ainsworth, Elicia Smith, Micaela Henery, Kasia Ashton, Erin Loach and Sam Preece.

’Then there are Asteria, a team of gymnasts combining acrobatics with dance; singer and musician Gwen Thornton; dancing duo Alicia and Lyla; singing trio and variety act ZED; the band Stellar Rattle; dance and acrobatic group Infinity and the Ballacottier School choir.’

She said that the Next Big Thing was her favourite event of the year.

’When we launched it seven years ago we never imagined that it would completely capture people’s hearts and minds and reveal the truly amazing amount of young talent there is in the Isle of Man,’ she added.

’It’s a real feel-good family sell-out show, but there’s much more to it than that. Junior Achievement is all about helping young people to be the best they can; to succeed in life regardless of their academic ability or background.

’The Next Big Thing grand final offers young acts a unique opportunity to showcase their talents by performing live on the Gaiety Theatre stage in front of around 700 people. "The Next Big Thing effect", though, can last a lot longer than when the curtain comes down at the end of the show.

’We know from experience that taking part helps to build young people’s confidence and can often be a stepping stone to bigger and better things.’

The 13 acts will be competing for a £900 cash prize fund.

The winner will take home £500 donated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

The runner-up £250 from Manx Professional and Educational Services Ltd;. Third place £150 from The Platform Theatre School.

Tickets start at £14 for children and £16 for adults.

Every member of the audience will receive a free programme.

Junior Achievement is an educational charity that each academic year runs classroom-based programmes to help more 5,500 students in the Isle of Man make the connection between school and the world of work, enabling them to develop the knowledge and attitudes they need to succeed.

The Next Big Thing is sponsored by Paragon Recruitment, Energy FM and Smart HR.