Young musical performers from Rutland are being invited to take part in a competition to find exceptional new talent to take to the stage at next year's Glastonblaby Music Festival.

Bands, performing groups or solo artists between the ages of 13 and 30 from the county, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire are being sought to take part in Travers Rising Stars.

Launched during the popular Glastonblaby Music Festival - which went online this year due to lockdown restrictions - the top prize for the winners will be the chance to perform live on stage at next year's event in Blaby, Leicestershire.

The competition is being organised by The Travers Foundation, a volunteer-led charity that provides financial support to 13 to 30-year-olds across Rutland, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire to help them realise their dreams in sport, music and the arts.

The foundation was one of the charities that benefitted from this year's Glastonblaby.

Kieran Forsey, from The Travers Foundation, said: "Live events have been hard hit this year, so we thought it would be an amazing opportunity to launch Travers Rising Stars, giving a new young band or artist the chance to secure a slot at a local festival when, hopefully, things are back to normal next year.

"We'll be holding auditions and heats later this year and early next year with the help of local studios and radio stations, with a grand final planned for May.

"The winners will be invited to perform on stage at Glastonblaby 2021 as well as taking away a host of other prizes, including valuable studio time."

Anyone keen to make their break in the local music scene should register their interest to secure a place.