THEY came in droves clutching guitars, dancing canes, song books and smart phones with their music.

Some sported sparkly dresses, others wore uniformed tracksuits or colour-co-ordinated costumes, while many came as just themselves.

But if there was one thing they all had in common, it was the hope of the big break and a dream of ultimate stardom.

Hundreds of wannabees from across the region converged on St James’ Park, in Newcastle, this morning (Saturday, October 11) to be part of the magic of Britain’s got Talent.

The bandwagon of the nation’s favourite talent show - fronted by Geordie duo Ant and Dec - rolled into city on its first stop, as producers began scouring the length and breadth of country the biggest-ever open audition tour, looking for the wonderful, weird and astounding.

Among those in a queue hoping to make it in front of the judges, including Simon Cowell, for next year's TV show was Bella Bluebell and the Bluebell Dancers.

The glittering female impressionist of Low Fell, Gateshead, said: “My two dancers and I have just come back from performing in the Canary Islands, so we are hoping to progress in the UK now.

“I did audition before as myself, before I started doing Bella, but never got through so went to work on the cruise ships. We can only try.”

Singer songwriter Kenneth Payne, 61, of Penshaw, on Wearside, who turned to music to help keep on top of his Alzheimer’s said he would sing Cheese and Wine, written for his wife.

He said: “I do lots of voluntary singing for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. I hope to raise awareness about the condition too.”

Simon Cowell, who hails from Sunderland, was accompanied by Simon Cowell look-alike Andy Penfold.

Mr Cowell said: “I got onto TV in the last Britain’s Got Talent and got three yeses. The other Simon Cowell said 'no'. I just want to go back on and say “come on, haway man”.”

Heavy metal rock band Wildthorn were not deterred by not being able to bring their equipment . Lead singer Ash Robertson said: “We were told they didn’t have space here for us to perform properly, so we brought a recording of us playing live at Trillians and a video of our latest single. If we get through that would be awesome.”

Michael Lydon, who held onto a copy of a Tyneside Songs, said: “There was a song I wanted to sing, but I don’t have the music for it and was unable get it because I was ill, so I am going to have to fall back on one of these for now.”

Kain Graham, nine, of Berwick, said: “I am going to be singing Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire. I go to amateur dramatics with my mum (Zoe Graham). She tried, but didn’t get through.”

William Wilson, 12, of Trimdon, east Durham, complete with bow tie and cane, said: “I’ll be tap dancing. I have been dancing on stage since I was three. This is what I hope to do as a career so I hope to get on.”

His mum Amanda Maddison said: “He tried (unsuccessfully) two years ago with a dance partner, but this time he is doing a solo.”

Hope Eternal, a group of 10 dancers from The Works, in Sunderland, were preparing for a routine in aid of cancer research in memory of Leanne Patten – the mum of Ellie, who is one of the dancers.

Eleven-year-olds Anna Cullen and Molly Kelly, of Chester-le-Street, County Durham, arrange their own music, harmonies and choreography and have already demonstrated their talent.

The duo BitterSweet, who have known each other since they were babies, made it through to the last regional finals of Teen Star.

Anna said: “If we did get through it would be like living the dream.”

This year’s winners musical theatre boy band Collabro, who were crowned in front of an audience of 13 million viewers, have gone on to achieve success having secured a No.1 hit with their debut album Stars.