WORCESTER’S biggest singing contest returns next week to provide the stars of the future with a platform to achieve their dreams.

This year’s Text Factor runs from Wednesday, February 8, until Wednesday, April 4, when the latest champion in a host of success stories will be crowned at Sin Bar.

Once again every act will be given expert mentoring sessions at the New Street nightspot as they attempt to forge a career in the competitive music industry.

Previous entrants include Malvern’s chart-topping sensation Cher Lloyd, Worcester’s classical soprano and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Pippa Langhorne, Michael Jackson tribute act Gathan Cheema and Michael Bublé tribute act Steve Maitland.

Those aiming to catch the eyes and ears of the judging panel stand a chance of walking away with some of the £2,500 prize fund, as well as the opportunity to perform in front of a sell-out crowd at the Swan Theatre.

Sin Bar manager Paul Todd says he really wants the people to get behind the competition and be proud of talented artists who emerge from it.

“We open the doors to Text Factor on February 8 and I would like nothing more than to have a queue of people outside waiting to have a good night.

“Every year we try to make it better. One of the nicest things is to see the improvement of the acts over the competition, it’s incredible.

“We do our best to offer them a service.

“We teach them the process of song selection, how to work the crowd to get them onside and how to appeal to a crowd.”

“This is a proper success story and these are Worcester people. The people of Worcester should back this competition because it is their competition, it belongs to Worcester.”

Girl group Elements, who won last year’s competition, will perform live at the launch night to get things under way.

l Acts interested in entering this year’s Text Factor are asked to contact Mr Todd at toddysin@googlemail.com or on 07919 363737.