MORE than 250 young models, actors, dancers and musicians were putting the final touches to their performances yesterday in preparation for tonight's Fashion Wales LIVE event at the Newport Centre.

Organisers have sold almost 1,300 tickets for the event, now in its third year, which raises money for the non-profit youth organisation Urban Circle Productions.

Tonight’s line-up will see hundreds of performers on stage from across Gwent and South Wales, including singers, rappers, break dancers, street dancers, gymnasts, hair and make-up artists, designers and models.

The show, hosted by TV presenter Josie D’Arby, will also include performers such as Newport dance troupe Dance Katz, who beat off more than 170 competitors to win a slot on stage through live auditions at the Riverfront Theatre.

Other highlights will include a performance from Coleg Gwent students inspired by the Rio de Janeiro carnival - the music for which was composed by former Bettws High School pupil and Cyprus Eurovision hopeful Jon Lilygreen - as well as a performance from Newport band The Guns.

The show will close with a set from The Automatic.

Fashion Wales LIVE project manager Liz Orford said: “Preparations have been going really well, and people have put in so much hard work. We just want to show the young adults of Newport how many things they can get involved in, and for them to be completely inspired.”

Tickets for Fashion Wales LIVE are still available at a cost £12, and can be bought on the door or by contacting the box office on 01633 656757.