Bongo’s Bingo is kick-starting the new year by hosting its very own talent show that you can stream right to your living room this weekend.
As the reality of the new national lockdown is starting to sink in, it’s fair to say that 2021 is, so far, a continuation of 2020, and with precious few highlights to cherish in what has truly been an incredibly challenging 10 months for everyone, being cooped up again across the UK is a sobering thought.
But fear not, as Jonny Bongo and the Bongo’s Bingo team are launching a brand new and completely-free show this Saturday 9th January at 8pm on Twitch, which is set to be brimming with chaos, magic and mayhem for some already much-needed escapism.
Get ready for Bongo’s Got Talent.
You many remember it was Bongo’s Bingo’s initial run of live shows on Twitch in April and May, which saw millions of people tuning in as the wildly-successful and experiential concept reached out to the nation and beamed straight to the comfort of their own homes.
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And now the search is on for the UK’s most talented dancers, singers, magicians, stand-ups, gymnasts, onion eaters, egg headers, or something completely unique.
The viewers will help pick their favourite talent alongside Jonny, Rich Furness and a special guest judge, and the lucky winner will bag themselves a feast Bongo’s Bingo prizes, including everything from a Henry Hoover, a giant pink fluffy unicorn and a Disney princess set, to tickets to a Bongo’s Bingo summer show of your choice and even a whopping £500 cash.
This is completely free to enter and watch on Twitch, and each Saturday during the lockdown, there will be a Bongo’s Bingo show on Twitch to get the nation entertained.
Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Bongo’s Bingo continuously sold out shows in over 40 UK locations and more around the world, often seeing dates fully booked-up in advance and coming close to selling two million tickets – and it will be back.
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But for now, sit back and strap in for Bongo’s Got Talent.
Bongo’s Bingo
To enter yourself into this year’s Bongo’s Got Talent, all you have to do is:
Record a video in landscape mode.
Tell them your name and a little bit about yourself.
Reveal what talent you’ll be performing and take it away.
Then email your entry to [email protected] by 11am on Saturday 9th January.
You can tune in this Saturday at 8pm via the Bongo’s Bingo Twitch platform here.
What's On
Beloved stage musical Billy Elliot to return to Manchester for 2026 Christmas season
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage musicals of the 21st century has confirmed its return to Manchester for the festive season.
Based on the highly successful film of the same name, seen by more than 12 million people across five continents, and the recipient of over 80 awards internationally – including 10 Tony Awards and five Olivier Awards – Billy Elliot The Musical is heading back out on tour this year, and making its long-awaited return to one of Manchester‘s most legendary stages.
If you’re unfamiliar with the musical, the show is set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.
Billy Elliot The Musical is returning to Manchester this Christmas / Credit: Supplied
Since its debut on stage all the way back in 2006, the show has been massively acclaimed by audiences and critics alike – with 125 boys having now played the iconic title role on stage worldwide.
The upcoming Manchester production will be brought to life by the multiple award-winning creative team behind the film, including writer Lee Hall (book and lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling, and of course, they’ll be joined by Elton John who composed the show’s score.
“Creating Billy Elliot the Musical was one of the most joyous and inspiring moments of our careers, so to bring the show back for a UK tour and a season in the West End for the first time in over a decade is both incredibly emotional and exciting,” commented Elton John and Stephen Daldry.
Tickets officially go on sale early next month / Credit: Supplied
“It’s bold, it’s British, it’s full of heart and the story feels more relevant than ever. We can’t wait for a whole new generation to experience it.”
Billy Elliot The Musical is taking to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage from 2 December 2026 through to 9 January 2027, before it does a run in the West End shortly after, and tickets officially go on sale in early March.
Tickets go on sale to ATG+ members on Thursday 5 March at 10am, and general on sale begins on Monday 9 March at 10am here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Manchester’s popular board game festival returns this month with hundreds of games to play
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s popular board came festival is set to return later this month, with hundreds of games free to play.
Manchester Board Game Festival is set to kick off 2026 in style, returning for the first festival of the year with a full weekend of board games, role-playing games, indie traders, and community-led fun in the heart of the city.
The festival features a huge board game library, giving fans access to hundreds of games to try out across the weekend – with ‘Library Bees’ on-hand to help people find games, learn the rules, or jump into sessions with other players.
There’ll also be bookable sessions, like RPGs and Blood on The Clocktower, and seminars to take part in over the three-day event.
Manchester’s popular board game festival returns this month with hundreds of games to play / Credit: MBGF (via Facebook)
As well as gaming, visitors can browse the festival’s popular Geek Fayre too, open on the Saturday and Sunday of the event, which showcases indie traders, artists, and tabletop creators from across the UK. From games and accessories, to artwork and geeky gifts, it’s a chance to support small businesses all while discovering something new.
Running from Friday 27 February through to Sunday 1 March, this opening weekend festival marks the start of five events planned throughout 2026.
Events are designed to bring together players of all experience levels for three days of tabletop gaming and social play.
“There’s something really special about the first festival of the year,” commented festival organiser, James Oxley.
“People are excited, they’re ready to play, and there’s a real buzz in the room. Manchester Board Game Festival has always been about bringing people together through games, and we can’t wait to see everyone back in the halls enjoying themselves.
“Whether attendees come for a single afternoon or the full weekend, the focus is on playing at your own pace, meeting new people, and enjoying games in a relaxed and friendly setting.”
Further festivals will follow throughout 2026, including themed Halloween and Christmas editions later in the year, so keep your eyes peeled, but until then, February’s event marks the first chance for players to roll some dice, discover new favourites, and start the year with a table full of games.
Manchester Board Game Festival takes place from Friday 27 February through to Sunday 1 March at Sachas Hotel in the Northern Quarter, with tickets starting from just £13.
Emily Sergeant -
6th January 2021 
