Super 'Stars in Their Eyes' performers in Inverness help to raise £33,000 for SNAP
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A DAZZLING talent show spectacular has raised an absolute song for charity after it made more than £33,000 – and was such a success that it will become an annual event.
The Kingsmills Hotel echoed to the sound of the hits on Saturday night when it played host to a Stars In Their Eyes contest in aid of SNAP – which runs youth events, clubs and activities for Highland youngsters with additional support needs.
Eight contestants took to the stage on the night to showcase their talents, as they impersonated musical superstars in a fun-filled evening of glitz and glamour.
Related: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness launches charity fundraiser, Stars in their Eyes
The hotel, which organised the event, said it had come at a "really important time for the charity" after it suffered cuts in council funding.
And the musical extravaganza was a hit with the public, with more than 270 guests gathering to cheer on the hopefuls vying to lift the trophy on the night.
The audience were also treated to dazzling guest performances from singer Sarah Mackay, a surprise number from the evening's host – STV's Nicola McAlley – as well as a dance routine from TFX – a performance which included two of the charismatic young adults who attend SNAP.
Each competitor had raised funds individually ahead of the event, with corporate sponsorships helping to boost the overall amount raised. On the night itself, a hit/miss challenge, champagne raffle and silent auction preceded a heartfelt opportunity for those in attendance to “Stand Up For SNAP”.
"Thanks to the incredible generosity of all those involved, the total raised by the end of the night exceeded £33,000," said a spokesman for the Kingsmills Hotel.
"The prize of Highest Fundraiser was taken home by duo Chris Smith and Stephen Laurie who took to the stage for a comedic performance as Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes with the song ‘Me and my Shadow”.
"After eight incredible performances and multiple ‘starstruck’ moments it was time to determine a winner with a mixture of in-room voting by app and deliberation from the judging panel.
"And taking home the coveted star trophy and announced as the overall winner was Steve Walsh, who was joined on stage for his heart-warming performance of Frank Sinatra’s ‘That’s Life’ by his daughter Sophia."
Following the night's huge fundraising success it was announced that it will become a regular fixture on the Highland calendar, and will return in March 2024.
The talent show Stars In Their Eyes was a massive hit for ITV in the 1990s early 2000s, , with performers telling the host 'Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be...' before appearing in a haze of smoke and spotlights as famous musicians such as Dolly Parton, Freddie Mercury, Elvis and Cher.
– Who sang what? Keep your eyes peeled for our picture gallery story covering all of the night's action, which is coming soon.
