AN X-Factor style competition which searches for talented singers in the Isle of Man is back with a new format and increased prize fund.
Search for a Star 2011 is now in its third year and is based on the format of the popular ITV talent show.
This year auditions will be held on Sunday, March 20, at 6pm at G&D's nightclub. Contestants can enter in one of the following categories - males, females, groups and over 25's.
The final 12 contestants will be mentored by a judge, either DJ Stuart Hampson, councillor Carol Malarkey, sales manager at Alliance and Leicester Clare Taylor, or George Campbell, community affairs manager at Alliance and Leicester.
George said: "We're hoping 2011 is going to be a bumper year for entries and we'd like to hear from as many different categories of contestant as possible to ensure we have a broad range of acts the public can vote for.
"With £1000, a professionally produced CD by DAM productions and a spot at this year’s Isle of Man Bay Festival the first prize is really something special."
Each week the contestants will be voted for by a live audience and the judges will be required to save one person or group each week in the Singing for Survival Showdown.
All money raised from the competition will be donated to Age Concern Isle of Man. Carol Male, business development consultant, said: "Search for a Star is a lot of fun and one of our biggest fundraising events.
"Thanks to the support of our sponsors Alliance and Leicester International and G&D's nightclub we’re able to offer a fantastic £1000 first prize and £500 second prize. We’re also grateful to DAM productions, Jamie Irving and 3FM for all the support they’re providing."
Anyone wishing to audition for the competition is asked to register online with Age Concern Isle of Man at www.ageconcerniom.com.
The heats will take place at 7.30pm on March 24 and 31, April 7 and 14, at G&D’s in Douglas. The final will be held at 7.30pm on April 21 at the Manx Legion Club, Douglas.
For more information on Alliance and Leicester click here.
