Beechwood is counting down the days to the grand final of Cheltenham’s Top Talent competition in the shopping centre on Sunday, December 18. The eight finalists who were chosen from the auditions are now making their final plans to take centre stage in front of the three judges. The competition was open to under 25s and the finalists are: Mubonki Bulawayo, dancer; Oliver Carter, singer; Ayse Alice Demir, singer; Jade Dunkley and Emily Monahan, dancers; Jas Kent, dancer; Jamie Parekh, dancer; Emma Stone, singer; Eloise Willetts, singer. The competition is raising funds for the Mayor’s of Cheltenham's chosen charities Cheltenham YMCA, National Star College and…

Debenhams store in Beechwood is raising money for the Child Victims of Crime charity at a special cosmetic gala night next week. The gala event on Tuesday, December 6, starts at 6pm and will include a fashion show at 6.45pm, raffle, goody bags, free gifts and a makeover spot prize. Tickets, which are now available from Debenhams in Beechwood at £5, are redeemable against the price of the ticketholder’s first purchase from the store. The Child Victims of Crime charity provides material and therapeutic support for children up to the age of 16 years who have been a victim of,…

Auditions for those hoping to gain a place in the Christmas grand final begin at Beechwood at 10.30am and everyone is welcome to come along and watch. Oliver always takes part in his school events, such as house music and house drama but he is still agonising over what to perform in front of the panel. "He is great with ballads, but is also so comical with things, so I really don't know what he will choose to do for the competition," said mum, Caroline. "He has never been shy or nervous about things, really. "I get so proud of him, he…

Love it ladies’ fashion and jewellery shop in Beechwood has now launched on Facebook and will shortly be setting up on Twitter. Proprietor Darren Jeal says the Facebook social networking facility will give Love it customers and potential customers up-to-the-minute information about his shop, its new stock and all its offers, quickly and efficiently. “We would like Facebook users to go to Love it Cheltenham and “Like Us”, where they will they will find out much more. We’re sure they’ll find it a real benefit and like what they see,” he said.

VERSATILE singer Rachel Lea is preparing for the song of her career. The part-time receptionist from Cheltenham is putting her years of training to the test as she warms up her vocal cords ready to give a winning performance in the event being staged at Beechwood shopping centre.​ The deadline for entries has now closed but organisers have been encouraged by the number of entries which has reached 34. Thanks to the new age increase on the Echo's Cheltenham's Top Talent competition, the 21-year-old can now perform and is so excited for the chance to get her voice recognised. Rachel…

DELE fan and Cheltenham Top Talent hopeful, Eloise Willetts, of Up Hatherley, has been rehearsing daily for her chance to get to the final of the competition which is being held in Beechwood shopping centre. The 10-year-old pupil, who is in year six at Leckhampton Primary School, is said to be "excited, but sometimes a little bit nervous" at her upcoming performance, which is inspired by singer Adele, who is her idol. ​ "I would say she is my inspiration, I really like her voice and I am going to sing one of her songs, Someone like you, for my…