TALENTED travellers converged in Christchurch at the weekend with their sights firmly set on performing at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Twenty-seven contestants took to the stage at East Christchurch Social Club on Grange Road for the final heat of the Travellers Got Talent show.

Patrick Cassidy sang his way to pole position with his 11-year-old nephew Andy Cassidy securing third place with his singing skills while breakdancer Toby Gorniak won second place.

All three will now go through to the London finals on August 20, along with 17 other hopefuls.

Organiser Tracey Nedic, who compered the show, hopes the competition will change people’s perceptions of the travelling community and break down barriers following television programmes such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding She told the Daily Echo: “We can all learn about each other. This contest is a celebration of our traditions and is also quite ground-breaking. We had a really good day in Christchurch and want to thank all the social club staff who were involved.

“Patrick’s voice was so incredible people were in tears; for a young boy Andy has incredible confidence.”

Travellers Got Talent is being filmed by the Sky Bio channel and will be shown in November.