MUSIC, dance, drama, comedy and circus skills will get the new year off to an energetic start for young people in the Wychavon area.

The W Factor, which begins in January, will give young people the chance to showcase their performing arts skills.

New for 2009 is a two-dimensional visual arts and photography category and youngsters are being reminded that it is not too late to enter.

The first audition will be held at the Number 8 Arts Centre in High Street, Pershore, on Wednesday, January 14.

Subsequent auditions will be held at Elm-bridge Village Hall on Thursday, January 15; Norbury Theatre, Droit-wich, on Wednesday, January 21; Evesham Arts Centre (Thursday, January 22) and Bredon Village Hall (Friday, January 23).

The successful acts will receive further training opportunities and will be invited to perform at future Wychavon events, especially during the council’s busy Party in the Park summer festivals.

Wychavon District Council’s arts development officer Jenny Davis said: “The success of the W Factor last year showed what a great opportunity the competition is for young people with talent to show what they can do. We hope that the chance to perform and exhibit at our events will really encourage all the budding performers and artists in Wychavon to take part.”

All participants must live in the Wychavon area and be between the ages of 11 and 18.

For more information and an application form contact Ross Blackman on 01386 565497 or e-mail ross.blackman@ wychavon.gov.uk.