THE search is on to find gifted young performers across Wychavon in a district-wide talent contest.

Open auditions are just two months away for the W Factor, the competition in which Wychavon District Council searches for the most talented young people in the district. The selected finalists get to perform in a professional showcase final at the Number 8 Arts Centre in Pershore, with industry standard production facilities, on Monday, March 18.

Before that the auditions, open to youngsters in Evesham and Droitwich, begin on Tuesday, January 15, at Droitwich Spa High School. The second audition takes place on Wednesday, January 16, at De Montfort School in Evesham, with the final audition at the Civic Centre in Pershore on Thursday, January 17. All auditions take place from 5.30pm.

The W Factor is open to performers and artists aged 11 to 18-years-old that live in Wychavon.

Participants go under the spotlight to showcase their skills in a variety of areas including dance, drama, music, singing both solo or in a group, DJ and music production and comedy. Winners also get training from professional artists to help them develop and they will be able to perform at local events throughout the summer of 2019. The 2018 final saw 16 young people compete in front of family and friends for the accolade of being crowned a winner in one of the five categories.

Tracy Grubb, Wychavon District Council’s community development officer, said: “It’s a privilege to bring back The W Factor again to Wychavon.

"Over the years the competition has been brilliant for developing young artists, but it’s also been great at helping those taking part to develop their confidence and build a strong personality, which will hopefully help them as they pursue their careers. We welcome children with any abilities and additional needs to take part.”

Anyone wanting to come to an audition needs to fill out an application form, available at wychavon.gov.uk/events-training-and-workshops along with a photo consent form. Alternatively, call Tracy Grubb on 01386 565168 or Sarah Gittings on 01386 565208 or email tracy.grubb@wychavon.gov.uk to request a form, returning it to Tracy at Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, WR10 1PT.