Event Name: Connacht’s Got Talent – Live Music Finale

Date: June 7th, 2025
Venue: TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar
Cause: Fundraiser for Hospice Castlebar

Description:
Connacht’s Got Talent is a high-energy, America’s Got Talent-style music competition celebrating the best musical talent across the region while raising vital funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Featuring choirs, acapella groups, singer-songwriters, rock bands, Sean-Nós performers, and classical musicians, this electrifying event will bring together 14 finalists for an unforgettable live showdown at the TF Royal Theatre.

A panel of three high-profile judges, audience voting, and online voting will determine the winner, with a Golden Buzzer sending standout performers straight to the final rounds. A special guest performance during intermission will add to the spectacle.

This event honours Joe McGuire, founder of Mayo Addiction and Suicide Awareness, who spent his final days receiving exceptional care at Mayo Roscommon Hospice in Castlebar. His wish was to give back to the local hospice, making this event not just a competition but a meaningful tribute.
The event will be streamed online, allowing audiences from across the region to participate and vote in real time.

Support Mayo Roscommon Hospice & Celebrate Local Talent!

The winner of Connacht’s Got Talent will receive a prize package designed to elevate their musical career, including:

Grand Prize Winner:
Full Day Professional Studio Recording Time – A high-quality recording session at a top recording studio.
Professional Photoshoot – A fully edited promotional photoshoot to enhance their artist branding.
Featured Airtime on Radio – Interview and song playtime on major Connacht radio stations.
Exclusive Mentorship Session – A one-on-one session with an established music industry professional.

This prize package ensures the winner gains valuable industry experience, professional assets, and increased visibility to further their music careers.

Eligibility & Entry Requirements
Open to participants from Connacht – Individuals, groups, choirs, and bands in the listed categories are eligible to compete.
Age Requirements – Contestants must be 16+ (if u16, can participate if they are part of a choir or band).
Entry Fee – A non-refundable fee applies per entry, which will be detailed in the submission guidelines.

Performance Categories:
School Choirs or Community Choirs
Acapella Groups
Traditional Irish Music Ensembles & Sean-Nós
Up-and-Coming Singer-Songwriters
Up-and-Coming Rock Bands
Classical Music Ensembles
Classical Soloists

Audition & Selection Process
Electronic Submissions – All entries must be submitted in video format by April 17th
Video Quality – Entries must be clear, with good sound quality, and must be a live performance (no auto-tune or excessive editing).
Finalist Selection – Judges will review all entries and select 14 finalists to perform live at the TF Royal Theatre on June 7th.

Live Competition Rules
Performance Length – Each act will have a set performance time limit (e.g., 2-4 minutes).
Backing Tracks – Permitted for solo vocalists but must be karaoke/instrumental versions (no lead vocals).
Live Bands & Instruments – Must provide their own instruments and coordinate with the sound team in advance.

Judging Criteria – Contestants will be scored based on:
Vocal/instrumental ability
Stage presence and performance quality
Creativity and originality
Audience engagement

Voting & Winner Selection
Judging Panel – High-profile judges will evaluate performances and provide scores.
Golden Buzzer – Judges have the power to send standout performers straight through to the final round.
Public Voting – The final winner will be determined by a combination of audience votes, online voting, and judge scores.
Tie-Breaker – In the event of a tie, the judges will make the final decision.
Prizes & Responsibilities

Prizes – The winner will receive a full day studio recording time, photo shoot, radio airtime, (full details in the prize section).

General Terms & Conditions
Originality – Contestants must have permission to perform cover songs or submit original material.
Professional Conduct – All participants must maintain respectful behaviour toward event organisers, judges, and other contestants.
Event Filming & Media Rights – The event will be recorded and streamed, and participants consent to their performances being used for promotional purposes.
Liability – The event organisers are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal equipment.
Right to Disqualify – Any contestant found to have engaged in unfair practices, disruptive behaviour, or rule violations may be disqualified.
By entering Connacht’s Got Talent, contestants agree to all terms and conditions as outlined above. all you videos