Thirteen acts will battle it out to be named as the ’Next Big Thing’, at the grand final of the youth talent show, held at the Gaiety Theatre next weekend.

The line up of acts who will take part in the final, which takes place on Saturday, February 9, from 7.30pm, includes several singers, musicians, dancers, a rock group, two groups of acrobatic gymnasts and a comedy variety act.

The final short list represents some of the finest young talented performers in the Isle of Man, and includes many who have already achieved national awards and appeared on big stages both on the island and in the UK.

Among the singers are Allison Ainsworth, Elicia Smith, Micaela Henery, Kasia Ashton, Sam Preece and Erin Loach, who currently holds the title of Young Singer of Mann.

Also featuring are the Ballacottier school choir, who last year travelled to take part in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales.

There are two dance and gymnastic groups, Infinity and Asteria, and the competition will also see a performance from the duo Alicia and Lyla.

Singer and guitarist Gwen Thornton will perform, as will the three-piece rock group Stellar Rattle and the comedy and variety trio Zed.

Previous winners of the coveted ’Next Big Thing’ title, which is organised by Junior Achievement Isle of Man, include last years champion magician Giles Beaumont, who is to take part in the UK’s young magician of the year competition later this year, singer Mae Challis, violinist Tabitha Templar and singer and actress Amy Gravestock.

Tickets are priced from £15 for adults and £12 for children, and are available from the Villa Gaiety Box office, or online from villagaiety.org