Walsall’s Got Talent returns this weekend, bringing together performers, families, local businesses and the wider community for one of the borough’s most anticipated annual events. What began as a small staff talent show has grown into a full-scale celebration of Walsall’s creativity and this year’s show promises to be the biggest yet.
Representatives from Well Wishers, the charity for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, joined KIC Radio to share exclusive insights into the acts, the judges and the impact the event will have on local Walsall Manor Hospital patients and families.
The idea to open the show to the community came from digital communications assistant Ben Malpass, who saw the potential to showcase the borough’s creativity. Last year’s event proved just how much talent Walsall has to offer, with singers, dancers, choirs and musicians filling the stage.
This year, the variety is even stronger. Auditions brought in a mix of returning favourites and brand-new acts, including:
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A young ventriloquist
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A returning saxophonist
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Standout vocalists
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Talented dancers
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A wide range of community performers
“We didn’t really know what we were expecting last year,” Ben shared, “but the variety was incredible. This year, we’ve got even more acts you wouldn’t expect.” - Ben Malpass
The scenes, the team has spent the week finalising music, briefing backstage crews and coordinating with Pelsall Community Centre to ensure everything runs smoothly.
A key part of Walsall’s Got Talent is its judging panel and this year, every judge has strong ties to the borough. Fundraising support officer Nicole Messam revealed the 2026 lineup:
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Sacha Jones, TV personality from Married at First Sight
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Nahanda Ferguson, popular local singer
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Samantha Hale, corporate sponsor bringing “the glam”
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Andy Mulligan, CEO of Sports Plus Scheme and event sponsor
Their mix of expertise reflects the spirit of the show: local people celebrating local talent.
While Walsall’s Got Talent shines a spotlight on performers, it also plays a vital role in supporting Well Wishers, the charity behind Walsall Healthcare’s hospitals and community services. Fundraising manager Georgie Westley explained how deeply the charity is rooted in the borough:
“It’s a very giving community… we couldn’t do what we do without it.” - Georgie Westley
Last year’s event raised around £2,500, funding a new quiet room on the children’s ward, a peaceful space for young patients and families to take time out or speak privately with consultants.
This year, funds will support the new Sister Dora Suite, a dementia unit opening at Walsall Manor Hospital. Money raised will help create a specialist reminiscence room where patients can relax, connect and share memories with support from trained staff.
It’s community fundraising making a direct difference to community healthcare.
More than a talent show, Walsall’s Got Talent has become a moment of unity for the borough. Local judges, local sponsors, local performers and local audiences all come together to celebrate what makes Walsall special.
“It just brings the community together,” Georgie said. “It’s raising money for Walsall that will benefit the community.” - Georgie Westley
Thank you to the judges, compares, sponsors, people who have supported behind the scenes like the sound/stage technicians, Pelsall Community Centre and it's volunteers, photographer and videographer and everyone who has donated a raffle prize. - Georgie Westley
With tickets nearly sold out and organisers aiming for a full house, the excitement is building for Saturday’s show. Get your tickets at https://www.ticketsource.com/pelsall-community-centre/walsalls-got-talent-final/e-evdyoa
For anyone inspired to support WellWishers and get involved:
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Follow @WellwishersWHC on Facebook and Instagram
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Visit the WellWishers fundraising hub at Walsall Manor Hospital (Monday–Friday, 9–5)
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Drop in to share fundraising ideas or make a donation
“We love people to just drop in,” Nicole added. “We’re always here for people who want to support.”
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