6 January 2005

Calling all Vera Lynns, Bing Crosbys – even Bob Hopefuls

Have you ever wanted to be a big band singer? Do you sing the great tunes of Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller in the shower?

If the answer is yes, then line up at Trentham Racecourse, Upper Hutt on Anniversary Day, 24 January to try your luck in the brand new Wartime Idol show, supported by the NZ Community Trust.

Hosted by New Zealand Idol judge and Wellington Arts Person of the Year, Frankie Stevens, the day will feature costumes and great music from the wartime era of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s, even 60’s – from the Somme to Saigon.

Entrants will have the chance to win some great prizes, with the overall winner taking home $2,000 and runner up $500.

Contestants will be accompanied on the day by the Levin Brass Band and the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Brass Band, who have provided a choice of 450 songs for contestants to sing.

This year’s Anniversary Day marks the 91st year since New Zealand troops marched down the straight of Trentham Racecourse prior to their departure for the First World War. They were destined for the Gallipoli campaign. Many never returned.

On Monday 24th January, we will again recognize our brave RSA members and the ANZAC’s fighting at Gallipoli by celebrating Wellington Anniversary Day. Entry on course is free for all RSA members and $10 for the public.

Wartime Idol registration forms will available online via the Upper Hutt City Council on website, www.wartimeidol.co.nz or from the Upper Hutt Visitor Information Centre at 6 Main Street, Upper Hutt.-tel 04 527 2141 - 7 days. Entry to the Wartime Idol event costs $20 per individual or group and is all entrants must be over 16 years of age.

Heats and preliminary finals will be held between races on the day, in the Dulux Fashion Village, with the first round starting at 10am. The Grand Final will be held at 5.30pm, after the conclusion of the final race of the day. If there is demand, elimination heats may be held on Friday 21 December at Trentham.

All Wartime Idol entrants must wear a military or wartime era costume to be eligible to win.

ENDS

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