The occasion was the Mayor's Gala Variety Performance which celebrated a rich crop of talent in a show lasting some three-and-a-half hours.

There was everything – from acting to dance, rock music to solo singing and musical theatre to stand-up comedy, all excellently compered by performing arts lecturer Mark Frisby and 15-year-old DJ Jonny McGrady.

Mayor Pam Posnett said: "This first annual variety performance is a celebration of the diverse exceptional talents to be found in our community and I hope it will be the first of many."

At the end of the night she presented a special performing arts award to singer-songwriter Dan Britton for his services to the community, enriching the lives of many with his music, teaching and performance. Young Mayor Nicki Orridge also presented a fine arts award to Melton artist Peter Pope, whose work was display in the foyer.

Showcasing their talents were:-
* The Drummond Dance Company, many of whom are studying at Brooksby Melton College
* Singer Abigail Aldred, who sang at the Mayor's Civic Service and with Melton Operatic Society, accompanied by James Gutteridge
* Performing arts degree student Emily Jo Gartside and friends did songs from Hairspray
* Vicky Hoyles, of ITV's Grease Is The Word fame, and guitarist Ray Callcut formed Melton band Breeze. They sang three numbers
* Thirteen-year-old John Ferneley pupil Jodie Griffin wowed the audience with powerful show songs
* Top band Smoking Kills, due to perform at Glastonbudget later this month, blasted out a couple of tunes
* Stand-up comic Daniel 'Guinness' Gray did a quick-fire routine
* Folk musician Dan Britton was backed by Asfordby Hill man Neil Rabjohn and bass player Tiny Segrott.