BINGLEY Music Live has joined forces with the Musicians Centre in Keighley to find the region’s best artists and bands for this year’s event.

The winning artists of the new competition will play on the main stage and on the second stage.

Organisers want outstanding unsigned and under-the-radar acts to open the festival in Bingley’s Myrtle Park from September 4 to 6.

Applications will be whittled down to a shortlist of 24 artists and bands that will be drawn into four heats.

They will then perform in front of a panel of judges, and one band will go through from each heat to perform at the final.

The final four bands will battle it out for the chance to be the opening acts on the main stage and second stage.

The closing date for applications is April 10 at 5pm.

Cllr Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Sport, said the competition was an excellent an excellent opportunity for local unsigned bands and artists to get their music to a wider audience.

He said: “We have some fantastic talent in the area and I’m sure this year’s competition will unearth the best.”

Michael Watmough, from Keighley Musicians Centre said: “We're delighted to be partnering up with Bingley Music Live again for a second year.

“A successful competition last year saw us pick four amazing acts from the 120 applicants.

“It's a pleasure to be part of this year’s eventsand to help make sure the high quality of the Yorkshire music scene is represented at a superb music festival."

Fans’ favourite James have been announced as the first of the headline acts at this year’s Bingley Music Live.

The band is back by popular demand after its 2010 appearance - becoming the first headliner ever to be asked to play the festival for a second time.

In a social media poll, run by festival organisers, the act was voted as the one most people would like to return to the popular three-day event in Myrtle Park.

Cllr Thornton said: "We are delighted to have James back on the stage for Bingley Music Live, they have an enduring appeal and many loyal fans so I am sure this announcement will be a big draw."

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