BEXLEY’S hugely popular competition to find the borough’s best young musical talent launches this week, with an added twist.

BeXfactor, funded by Youth Music, offers the chance for 13 to 19-year-olds who sing or play a musical instrument to work alongside some of the world’s top musicians.

The star performers will also work with Jocelyn Brown and The AllStars and perform with them on the main stage at this summer’s Danson Festival.

This year’s auditions begin on Saturday (March 12) and run for the two following Saturdays, from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

The auditions on Saturday and March 19 take place at the civic offices in Bexleyheath Broadway, and on March 26 at Welling youth centre in Lovel Avenue, Welling.

There is no need to pre-book, just turn up and bring any instruments you need. A drum kit and piano will be provided.

People can also bring recorded music on CDs or iPod/MP3.

Mor details of this year’s BeXfactor, are available by calling 020 3045 4881, or email arts@bexley.gov.uk or follow BeXfactor on Facebook.

18-month BeXfactor traineeship up for grabs

For the first time, the competition will also be offering a, 18-month trainee/associate musician position, also funded by Youth Music and run by The Allstars.

The successful applicant will work with professional musicians, youth workers, council officers and young people.

They will also provide practical and technical support to BeXfactor, including setting up, sound checks, preparing sessions and mentoring.

The trainee will get work experience with The Allstars, and shadow the events team and musicians for a week, to get a flavour of the commercial side of the industry.

It also includes a chance to gain the Arts Mark gold award.

Applicants must be 18-plus, a competent and creative musician, with some experience of facilitating groups within an education/community or youth setting.

To get an application form and job description, email saskia.delman@bexley.gov.uk or write to Saskia Delman, Arts Manager, London Borough of Bexley, Maidstone Road, Foots Cray, Sidcup DA14 5HS.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on March 25.