TIME is running out for singers and musicians to enter this year’s Swindon Music Festival.

All entries need to be received by Friday, January 17. The syllabus and entry form is available at www.swindonmusicfestival.co.uk.

Many former competitors have gone on to music careers, including: film star Diana Dors who competed under her real name of Diana Fluck in 1938; Sarah Covey, who was crowned vocal and supreme champion in 2006 and 2008 and went on to appear in London’s West End in the musical We Will Rock You, and jazz superstar Jamie Cullum who entered in 1988.

Last Spring’s supreme champion, winning the C S MacPherson trophy, was Amy Bladon. The 105th festival will be at Swindon’s Arts Centre and Christ Church in Old Town from Thursday to Saturday, March 20-29.

It is open to choirs, vocal solos, duets, group, pianoforte, strings, woodwind, guitar, ensembles, composition, brass and masters of the keyboards.The accompanist is the Swindon Recital Series founder, Paul Turner, Swindon’s own professional concert pianist and Honours Graduate from the Royal Academy of Music.

The festival is a platform for musicians to showcase their skills and get professional feedback. Send entries to secretary Dawn Ball, 89 Leighton Avenue, Swindon SN3 2JG with a stamped addressed envelope.