Calling all musicians – a new X-Factor style contest is being held to find the top local performers.

The winning act in the Northants Star Search contest scoops a £500 cash jackpot and the chance to perform at the new Aspers entertainment complex, which opens in June.

Selected bands will be invited to audition at New Roadmender, Lady’s Lane, Northampton, on the evening of Wednesday May 21, and acts will be judged by Aspers Northampton’s Marketing and Events Manager, Maggie Ladbrook, and Customer Services Manager Gaming, Mike Davey.

Finalists from the auditions will then go through to a Grand Final to be held at Aspers on Sunday July 6.

Maggie said: “We decided to run the contest to discover and reward musical talent from the county. We will be booking a lot of different performers at the new venue and are keen to include the best local musicians.”

The new Aspers venue, which opens in Commercial Street on June 26, will stage live music two nights each week.

Contest entrants must be over 18 years of age and can perform individually or in groups of no more than four people.

Maggie added: “We are happy to see all types of performers, but ultimately we are looking for musicians who have broad appeal, and who will sound good to a wide variety of age groups.”