Libby Higson as Adele in Ashburton’s Stars in Your Eyes. Photo Tetsuro MitomoAshburton County Lions member Marie McAnulty had a vision, and then made it a reality.

That vision was for her club to hold a Stars in Your Eyes event, after she had been involved in one several years ago at Pahiatua.

Yesterday McAnulty reflected on an amazing evening the night before – Mid Canterbury’s own Stars in Your Eyes at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre.

“In Mid Canterbury, the talent is just amazing,” McAnulty said.

All manner of iconic rock and musical theatre stars were brought to the event centre stage, courtesy of 12 Mid Canterbury singers, aged from 10 to 65.

The competition was tough, and Libby Higson’s rendition of an Adele number was judged the best.

Second was Luke Glendining singing a Cat Stevens’ song, and third was Ocean Waitokia singing a Whitney Houston number.

Judges were Sally Farr, Phill Hooper and Jessie Thomson.

McAnulty said the goal had been to raise about $10,000, however, the final total had yet to be confirmed.

The show had been a sell-out, and people had to be turned away.

She said feedback had suggested people wanted to have the event again, and it was something which could be held every two years.

By Susan Sandys © The Ashburton Guardian - 16 October 2017