Peterborough Music Festival to showcase new youth music

It is all part of a new youth music showcase being staged as part of next month’s 2016 Peterborough Music Festival.

The opportunity to compete in the showcase, at The Voyager Academy auditorium in Walton, comes from the Peterborough Music Hub - which aims to give young people access to music - and the Peterborough Music Festival which have joined forces.

Shirley Hallam, administrator of the festival which is in its 92nd year and runs from March 15 to 19, said: “ We are very pleased to be partnering with the Music Hub for this exciting event.

“The Peterborough Music Festival aims to demonstrate the wealth of musical talent among our young people. While the main festival focuses on traditional music making, the Showcase will create a platform for new and original music across all genres.

“We want to encourage as many singers and musicians as possible to take part – we are really looking forward to hearing what the next generation of music sounds like.”

So, are you a budding Adele, Ed Sheeran or Sam Smith? Does your band or ensemble write its own material? Could you be the nation’s next Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Britten or Novello?

The showcase, on Saturday, March 19, from 2pm to 6pm, includes three classes:

Singer/songwriter - solo or duet. Own choice of original composition, not exceeding 5 minutes.

Solo Instrumentalist: Own choice of original composition, not exceeding 5 minutes.

Band/Ensemble - maximum eight performers: Own choice programme of original compositions, not exceeding 8 minutes

All entrants must be 18 years of age or under.

The overall first prize is an eight-hour recording session courtesy of Laffing Boy Music, together with £100.

Three runner up prizes of £50 will be awarded to the most promising artists across the competing categories. Prizes will be awarded by an independent industry professional.

Entry deadline is February 29. Further details and online applications can be made at www.peterboroughmusicfestival.org.uk