By Kyra Gillespie
It was another successful year for the Bunyip Kids X-Factor, with ten talented acts taking to the stage to vie for the top prize.
In its fifth year, the small talent show saw children from Pakenham and as far as Trafalgar showing off their performance skills to a crowd of around 80.
The Longwarry Dance Troupe, comprising of eight dancers, received the ‘highly commended’ trophy.
There were two runners up; 11-year-old Olivia Squires for her performance on the guitar, and 12-year-old Jessica Soutar who played a piano medley and performed a dance routine. The two performers received a trophy and $25, and Olivia also scored a free singing lesson with judge and Bunyip Primary School music teacher James Peden.
Taking out first prize was nine-year-old Mayuri Guhadas, who blew the judges away with her performance of Flashlights by Jessie J. Mayuri received $50 and an impressive trophy.
Each performer received a silver medallion for their efforts.
On the judging panel was James Peden, Tony and Carmelina Arrigo and 2015 Bunyip Kids X-Factor winner Megan Carew.
Event founder Davina Veenstra said the day marked another successful year for the Bunyip Kids X-Factor.
“The day was a huge success, all the performers are so talented and wonderful at what they do,” Ms Veenstra said.
“The event is not an eisteddfod; it’s just about getting up and giving it a go.”
The 2016 winner Ava Rose Houben-Carter, went on to play Young Cosette in CLOC’s Les Miserables, is the lead role of Sasha in TV series ‘Larry the Wonder Pup’ and is currently practicing for School of Rock.
The 2019 event will be held on 19 October.
