THE statement was made and an impressive line-up of musicians and vocalists were out to prove it true on Sunday.

The Casterton Vice Regal Band’s first ‘Casterton’s Got Talent’ quest saw a big crowd head into the Town Hall for a great afternoon’s entertainment, with the stars of the show, arguably, band veteran, Harry Cottier and his great granddaughters, Ava, 6 and Isabella, 9.

A last-minute entry in the novice section, there were a few teary-eyed and star-struck audience members, as Isabelle did Judy Garland proud with her rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, before joining great-grandfather Harry and sister Ava, for a toe-tapping jazz number in the vocal and band section.

Harry picked up his first instrument at age six and for the past 75 years, has taken his place with the local vice regal band at events including Anzac Day marches, Carols by Candlelight and Casterton Shows.

On Sunday he said he was very proud to be able to play beside the fourth generation of his family to be musically talented.

The band’s Craig Wood said the Casterton’s Got Talent project was part of the ‘Keeping the Beat’ Project.

“It is designed to encourage musicians to get back to playing and performing after the Covid-19 period and today was kindly supported by the Glenelg Shire Council.”