The search is on for a new star to take part in the next series of ITV's The Voice UK.

Up and down the country open mics are being held to find singers with the right voice, and in Swindon the showcase is at Level 3 nightclub in Commercial Road on Friday, May 5 from 7pm.

Swindon promoter Josh Adams said: "The Voice scouted us as a venue and ITV made contact themselves. They liked our history as a music venue and thought it would be a good idea to make a closer connection between grassroots music venues and big TV ventures like The Voice.''

In the 2017 series Mo Adeniran was crowned winner at the live finals. His coach was the 2009 X Factor winner Jennifer Hudson and his prize was a signed record deal with Polydor Records.

Will.i.am, Tom Jones and Gavin Rossdale, lead singer with Bush, were the other coaches and decisions on who will be mentoring the aspiring singers for next year will be made this summer.

Tom Jones has already been in talks with ITV and Will'i'am says he will come back if Tom does.

The now famous format of the blind auditions and turning chairs has proved a winner with many singers and attracted a strong following from the public. The winner of the next series will scoop a recording contract with Universal Records., but even just appearing on the show can lead to big things for the singers. One of this year's finalists, Into The Ark, a duo made up of Dane Lloyd and Taylor Jones, did not make it to the top slot but have been offered the chance to go on tour with their coach Tom Jones.

In Swindon it is free entry to the open mic so family and friends can go along to cheer on the budding stars.

The resident Level 3 DJ will be entertaining between the acts along with the SouthSide Soul Crew.

The British television talent show was created by John de Mol and is based on the concept The Voice of Holland. It began airing on BBC One on March 24, 2012.

Joining Mo in The Voice winners circle from the past few years are: Leanne Mitchell, Andrea Begley, Jermain Jackman, Stevie McCrorie and Kevin Simm.

Solo artists and duos can participate in the Swindon showcase, however, they must be aged sixteen by October 1 2017 to be eligible to enter. Performers are allowed to bring a backing track, guitar or keyboard but are advised to keep their performances to no longer than five minutes. All participants on the night agree to be filmed by ITV for the purposes of The Voice UK.

"Judging the entries will be two individuals from The Voice UK, they'll be filming participants to review later,'' said Josh.

To book a slot call 01793 534238 or visit http://leveliii.co.uk. For more details of the competition visit or www.itv./thevoiceuk - Flicky Harrison