Calling all singing talent! Inverness Stars In Their Eyes contest returning for third year as charity SNAP’s big fundraiser

Budding singers who fancy stepping into the shoes of some of the world's biggest music idols are being encouraged to enter a competition in aid of Highland youngsters with additional support needs.

The Stars In Their Eyes contest is set to return for a third year in 2025 and organisers are now opening up the search for their next Elton John, Taylor Swift or Madonna.

The competition is in aid of SNAP, and has raised nearly £70,000 to date for the charity, which recently expanded into the Haven Centre in Smithton, opening up new, much needed services and widening the catchment area from Inverness to the whole of Highland.

The event is run in conjunction with host venue the Kingsmills Hotel.

Charmaine Mackenzie, SNAP's fundraising engagement officer, said: "These funds are used to help us run our activities and services for children, young people and their families with complex and additional support needs in Highland.

“Some of our activities and services include a new parent and toddler group, day time activity sessions for age 16 and over, after school clubs, youth clubs and family fun sessions."

Charmaine added: "Now more than ever this fundraising event is crucial to help us raise much needed funds to support more children and young people across Highland with additional support needs.

“We are beyond grateful to the Kingsmills Hotel, all our acts who braved the stage, and all the local businesses who supported our event to help us raise vital funds."

Tony Story, CEO of Kingsmills Group said: “The Kingsmills are delighted to continue to support Snap in its very good work for local children and young adults. Two years ago, SNAP Chairman Don Robertson approached Tony and Anne Story about a fundraising idea for the Charity and the ever imaginative Joyce Arbuckle came up with the brilliant idea of Stars in their Eyes.”

“The whole Kingsmills team got right behind the idea and really made it work. The two previous events have raised almost 70K for SNAP and we can't wait to see what the third event brings. A huge shout out to all the fabulous contestants, families and friends who have done so very much to make this happen. Here goes for 2025.”

The 2025 event is due to be held on Saturday 15th March.

For further information including how to enter and ways in which you can support the fundraising event can be found on the website -

https://www.kingsmillshotel.com/starsinverness/

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