Pubs join forces to launch search for singing talent

The Swan, in Wavendon Road, Salford, will see the launch of Pub Factor and the first round of heats from 3pm on Monday, August 27. The open audition will be for singers and vocal groups aged 16 and over.

“We love music and do everything we can to support live acts in our pubs with something different going on every month”, says Andrew Coath, owner of The Swan and the Black Horse in Bedford Street, Woburn.

“We also believe there’s a lot of untapped talent out there, so we thought if there was a way we could help find the stars of tomorrow by putting our pubs to good use and raise money for a brilliant cause like Children in Need at the same time, we had to go for it.”

The pubs in Salford and Woburn have been joined by sister pubs The Embankment in Bedford and Brookmans in Brookmans Park near Potters Bar to team up with singer/songwriter and recording artist Keni Steven who will be the head judge.

At stake are prizes including a trophy, two days in the studio to record a CD, a photographic shoot, having music put onto iTunes and a holiday.

Judge and co-organiser Keni Stevens will also arrange an introduction to a record label for the winner and each of the four pubs promoting the event will offer the top performers paid work at their venue once a month.

Ten acts will be selected to go through to a regional heat taking place at the pubs in October, when they will perform live to win one of two places at the grand final. This will take place at Brookmans on Children in Need Night, Friday, November 16. Eight finalists from all the pubs taking part will be competing on the night for the top slot, by performing in front of an expert panel of judges, who will include some well-known faces from the world of entertainment.

Mr Coath said: “Together we’re calling on great local singers and performers to come and show us what they’re made of.

“The Pub Factor really is going to be an incredible event that we hope will unearth some amazing undiscovered talent as well as raise much-needed funds for Children in Need.”

To register to take part or find out more, contact The Swan on 01908 281008 or www.swansalford.co.uk