This national music competition for unsigned bands and singers attracted 10,000 entrants last year, making it the second biggest event of its kind in the country.

The difference between Live And Unsigned and the likes of The X Factor is that competitors are encouraged to be as individual and original as possible.

"This cannot be compared to any other talent searches as the acts' talent is the show," says events director Chris Grayston.

"We are interested in discovering and exposing talent at its best Ð live. It is as simple as we say: "Get live, get signed.'"

The three categories are best band, best individual male and best individual female.

The overall adult winners will be chosen at the grand final, which will be held in London later in the year. They will receive a recording and management contract with Future Music and will be granted a single-release budget of up to £20,000.

The under-18s' victor will have the chance to make an album and record a track co-penned by Lemar and Craig David producer Mark Hill.

All winners will also be invited to join the 100-date Live And Unsigned UK tour.

  • Tickets £6. Under-18 semi-finals start at 11.30am and 2.15pm. 18-and-over semi-finals start at 5.30pm and 8.30pm. Event finishes at 10pm. Doors open 15 minutes before each heat. To register yourself or your band, visit www.liveandunsigned.uk.com