Leigh Music Festival is searching for keen performers who can sing, dance, or act their way across the stage.

The annual event will begin on May 9 this year and organisers need fresh talent to pick up a syllabus and apply to take part.

Performers can participate in a variety of classes before being assessed by a professional adjudicator, who will give them feedback.

Spokeswoman Amanda Taylor said: "We're very keen to encourage as many participants as possible. It is one of the few opportunities to get up and perform and a very nice three weeks for everybody."

Ms Taylor said there were more than 400 categories to take part in, which include some unusual classes, such as television newsreader presentations.

She explained: "It's part of the drama section. People get up and sit at a desk to look like they are reading the news.

"They write their own broadcasts, sit there and go through them. Some of them are very amusing."

The event will kick off with a drama section on May 9, which includes everything from short poems to duologues and group improvisations.

This will be followed by instrumental classes, beginning with wind and brass on May 14 and 15, piano classes on May 16 and 17, and strings on May 18 and 19.

Finally, singers will get their chance to shine, with classes on May 21 to 24.

Festival entry forms are available from Grindley's Bookshop, the Book Inn or the library in Leigh Broadway; the Greetings Card shop in London Road, Leigh; Allegro Music in London Road, Westcliff; Music Land in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff; Abcmusic in Roseberry Walk, Church Road, Benfleet and James Dace and Son in Chelmsford.

To join the team of voluntary helpers during the event, call Druscilla Redman on 01702 431120.

Anyone who would like to provide financial support for the festival should call Pat Everitt on 01702 556473.