YOUNG performers are being offered the chance to showcase their talent at this summer’s Avebury Rocks music festival.

Emerging local musicians are invited to enter a free competition to be in with the chance of winning one of three slots to perform at Avebury Rocks, which runs from Friday, July 7 until Sunday, July 9.

The festival organisers hope that this new initiative will promote young, local talent by championing new and original music.

One of the acts that’s performing at this year’s festival truly understands the importance of these types of competitions, and is encouraging young musicians to enter. 19-year-old singer-songwriter, Vickie Ellis, first found her voice after auditioning for competitions Open Mike UK and TeenStar, both of which are organised by British music promoter and talent scout, Chris Grayston.

“Having the chance to perform and showcase your talent to an audience is the most important thing,” she said. “Not only to get your music heard, but also to practice your interaction with a live audience, and to build your confidence as an artist.

“As a young and emerging artist myself, I understand how terrifying it is to stand up on a stage and perform to complete strangers who know nothing about your music.

“Entering music competitions got me noticed and gave me the opportunity to start writing my own songs alongside professional producers, but they also built my confidence and encouraged my passion for singing and songwriting.

“The opportunity to perform at Avebury Rocks is so important for any young musician – it will help them develop in every aspect of becoming a performing artist in the music industry, and you never know where any opportunity could lead!

“I’m looking forward to performing at the festival, and can’t wait to show my support to the other amazing acts.”

Applications for the competition close on May 31. Applicants must be aged 11-18 years and will need to provide a video of themselves performing one song. For more information and to apply, visit www.aveburyrocksfestival.net. Tickets are also on sale from the same web address, with all profits going to local charity Prospect Hospice.