Bluebird Café and Bar in Wedmore is set to hold its first ever Young Performers Emerging Talent Competition in April 2025.

The initiative aims to discover and support budding musical talent across Somerset.

Since its opening in 2023, the café and bar has made a significant impact on the local community, donating more than £10,000 to local groups and organisations in July.

Now, it is focusing on the region’s young musicians, providing a platform for them to perform in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts.

The competition is open to students aged 16 to 18, who can apply through their school’s music department.

The schools encouraged to put forward their most promising students are Strode College, Wells Cathedral, Kings of Wessex, Wells Blue School, Richard Huish College, King Alfred's and Churchill Academy.

Young musicians will compete for a range of prizes, including a trophy and the opportunity to play a full gig at the Bluebird Café and Bar.

They can enter as soloists, duos, or trios, but acoustic drums are not allowed.

They will perform two songs in front of a live audience, and the finalists from each heat will compete in the grand final.

The judging panel will include a studio producer and successful musicians from the industry.

One of the Bluebird Café and Bar owners, Ian Scott, said: "We’ve always believed in nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for young people.

"This competition is a natural extension of that mission, and we can’t wait to hear the incredible talent Somerset has to offer."

The deadline for applications is February 1, 2025.

For more information on the competition and details on how schools can get involved, contact the Bluebird at bluebirdcafewedmore@gmail.com.

The Bluebird Café and Bar continues to be a community hub for Wedmore, combining its love for music and the community to create a platform for the county's young talent.