THERE were singers, a band, a drummer and a pair of hip-hop dance troupes both wearing vivid face paint and extravagant costumes.

It could only be the latest heat in the Fry Club's Search For a Star competition.

The acts chosen to go through last night were singers Rebecca Taylor, Alan Green, Charlotte Day and Holly Byrd. Hip-hop dance troupes Hype Juniors and Clowns Gone Wild and band Class Apart all made it through to the semi-finals.

Performers came from across the Bristol area, from Kingswood to Weston-super-Mare and they put on a hugely enjoyable evening's entertainment, each hoping to use their eight minutes of allocated time to impress the three judges.

Courtney Jones, aged 18, from Eastville, drummed a stylish accompaniment to the smooth vocals of Daniel Bedingfield.

Singer Rebecca Taylor, also 18, from Kingswood, belted out Sunshine by Ella Fitzgerald a capella, showcasing her powerful voice.

And Rich Gray, 32, from Weston super Mare sung his own versions of songs by the Stereophonics and Elvis Presley.

But the highlights of the evening were Hype Juniors and Clowns Gone Wild – hip- hop dance troupes based at the Trinity Centre in Old Market ranging in age from 14 to 30 who dazzled the audience with acrobatics and body-popping.

Dwain Trivet, 30, from Southmead is one of Hype's choreographers and dancers. "We have been working on this routine for six weeks and it is great to show people what dancing can do and how you can express yourself," he said.

Fellow dancer Paris Crossley, 13, from Easton, said: "It is an amazing experience to get up on stage. It is a magical thing. We are not just a dance group, we are a family."

The band Class Apart were also winners on the night. Singer George Ruddle-Hellier, aged 14, from Wells, said: "It was brilliant, a good atmosphere, good crowds, good sounds and good lighting.

"We just enjoy it, we do it for the love of music."

Search for a Star organiser Deb Dyer said: "I am very pleased it went so well. We had a full house which was great. As always it has been a very high standard and everyone has really enjoyed themselves.

"There were some worthy winners but all the performers can be very proud of their efforts and they all put on a super show. Everyone now is looking forward to next week."