THE popularity of TV talent shows such as the X Factor and The Voice has inspired a number of singers and musicians in recent years, but the Swindon Music Festival has been giving a launch pad to young hopefuls for more than a century.

The festival was started in 1909 in the Mechanics Institute as a one-night competition for choirs, when there were six entries.

This year’s festival, held in the spring, attracted around 1,000 entries, not just choirs but also solo artists, groups and duets, pianists, guitarists and musicians playing woodwind, brass and string instruments of all varieties, even church organists.

Festival vice chairman Sheila Marcer said: “The syllabus for the 106th annual festival is now available with application forms and the complete list of classes on offer. All entries must be in by January 16, 2015.

“All singers and musicians of any age are welcome to take part and there is a wide variety of genres to choose from including pop, folk, jazz, musical theatre, opera, and sacred music.’’ The festival takes place in the Arts Centre, Devizes Road and Christ Church in Old Town from Friday, March 20, to Saturday, March 28, 2015.

Girl power rules in the team of adjudicators this year with Fiona Chryssides, Elizabeth Childs and Maria Jaguesz all taking their seats with the aim of giving constructive feedback to the aspiring musicians and singers.

Fiona is pianist and teacher, while Elizabeth is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and a flautist with the concert group Quintessimo. She also gives recitals and is a music teacher.

Maria is a singer who is keen to encourage youngsters to take up a career in musical theatre.

She has directed a number of musicals and was on the music staff at the London College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Sheila said: “Our adjudicators are all professional musicians and give all the competitors good advice on their performance.’’ The musical director and founder of the Swindon Recital Series, pianist Paul Turner, is again the accompanist for the festival. Paul is an honours graduate from the Royal Academy of Music and he has played in concert halls all over the world.

The festival is affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals and is also a Registered Charity (No 1030721). The syllabus is available from www.swindonmusic festival.co.uk.

Send entries to secretary Dawn Ball, 89 Leighton Avenue, Swindon SN3 2JG with a stamped addressed envelope.