85-year-old singer Dennis Salmon impressed the crowds with his powerful singing voice and won Burnham’s BOS Factor talent competition during the town’s Christmas lights switch-on festivities on Saturday.
Dennis’ confident performance of the Rat Pack classic ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ impressed the judges and got the most cheers from the crowd during the contest held outside the Victoria Hotel, organised by Burnham Chamber of Trade.
The entrants performed their routines in front of the crowds, whose reaction was assessed to pick the winner.
The final sing-off, held immediately after the festive lights switch-on, saw Dennis competing against young up-and-coming duo Tom and Rob.
A £100 cash prize was awarded to Dennis by the contest’s sponsor, Burnham’s Positive Wealth Creation, and £25 to the runners-up. The prizes were presented by the firm’s Alex Turco.
Dennis – pictured being congratulated by last year’s BOS Factor winner Gracie Wickens-Sweet – told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was lovely to get such a positive reaction from the crowd. I am bowled by it and am so pleased to have won! My prize winnings will go to Wellington House residential home where my wife is currently being cared for.”
Sponsor Alex Turco added: “I congratulate Dennis on winning and admire his donation of the prize money to Wellington House. We were really pleased to support the BOS Factor and were impressed with the quality of the acts. Thanks go to everyone who took part.”
The judges said Paul Young gave an “energetic performance” of a Rat Pack classic
Sponsor Alex Turco with the winner and runners-up
Tom and Rob performing their acoustic and vocal routine
Hazel Lloyd with her thought-provoking poetry at the competition
Also see:
Crowds watch Michael Eavis light up Burnham-On-Sea for Christmas
