WORCESTER’S biggest singing contest is back – and this time, the prize is better than ever.

This year’s Text Factor is set to take place over six weeks in December and January, with the winner taking home what may be a slightly smaller amount of cash – an overall amount of £2,500 compared to £5,000 last year – but with the addition of a management contract to help kickstart their career.

Sin Bar manager Paul Todd said: “I’m talking to management agencies trying to establish some sort of contract. It won’t be a recording contract.

“The team will get them work at different venues, as that is probably going to be the hardest step for them. This package is going to be worth a lot more than a cash prize.”

And winning – or even just taking part – can mean big things for aspiring solo singers or bands. Last year’s winners Elements travel around the country performing gigs, while you would have had to be under a rock not to notice 2010 contestant Cher Lloyd’s rise to fame.

Mr Todd said: “We had massive success with Text Factor again last year, but what I think a lot of people don’t understand is you don’t have to enter as a solo act. There would not be anything stopping a singing group entering as well.”

Each act will only perform a maximum of three times in the competition – once in one of three audition rounds, in a semi-final and in a final.

The competition, which takes place each Wednesday from December 21 at Sin Bar, New Street, is open to people aged 16 and o ver.

l Acts interested in entering this year’s Text Factor are asked to contact Mr Todd at toddysin@googlemail.com, call 079193 63737 or drop into Bushwackers to ask for an application pack.