Dancers, singers and MC performers had the chance to impress the judges at this year's Leicester's Got Talent.
The artists aged 16 to 25 took to the stage at Leicester's Y Theatre to showcase what varied artistic skills the the city and county can offer.
Backed by the police, it was opened by Leicestershire's Chief Constable Simon Cole who tweeted: "Just opened @LeicesterGT ....they were expecting Simon Cowell!"
The five hour event was organised by Pukaar News and Anand International with the aim of giving young people an opportunity to share their passions and creativity with others while building their confidence and having their talents recognised.
The overall winner on the day was Michael Machewere for his outstanding solo dance performance. He was presented with an ipod.
His friend Kieron Simms, 18, from Evington, said: "I was very pleased for Michael as I invited him down. I was pleased with my own solo dance and the judges were very fair."
Fellow dancer Ternika Shepherd, 20, of Braunstone Town said: "Michael's performance was really beautiful, excellent."
Ternika, who has been dancing since she was six, said: "It was a really good atmosphere and it was great to mix with the all the other performers. It was my first solo so it was pretty nerve wracking.
"I hope to come back and win next time."
Category winners Jordan Anderson, Lydia Unsudimi and Realistic Crew were each received £200 worth of vouchers.
Special items included a performance by the De Montfort University Pentecost Gospel Choir.
A spokeswoman for the organisers said: "We are excited to announce that the winners of Leicester Got Talent 2014 will be given the amazing opportunity to audition for Britain's Got Talent!."
The event was funded by a number of sponsors including Leicestershire Police and Crimestoppers.
Kiran Dhanda, Crimestoppers Regional Manager for the East Midlands, said: "This is a really important event for bringing people together and for promoting the Crimestoppers charity."
