BUDDING musicians have the chance to feature alongside famous names at the Nantwich Jazz festival thanks to a Guardian competition.

Artists are invited to submit demo tapes of their work, with the winner getting to perform at the White Horse on Friday, April 18.

With the stars from the likes of The Jam and Wishbone Ash performing at the 18th annual festival, due to attract 40,000 people over five days, it’s a chance for local talent to be given a national platform.

To enter the Guardian’s competition, email your audio clips in MP3 format to webeditor@nqnw.co.uk by the closing date of Friday, April 4.

Please include your band/artist name, contact name, number and email address, brief biography and links to Facebook, YouTube or SoundCloud of your music.

Usual Newsquest rules apply.

Meanwhile Scottish rockers Big Country will kick off this year’s Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music festival early, with a warm up gig at the Civic Hall on March 21.

The band, formed in 1981 by guitar playing founder members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson, saw worldwide success with their debut album, The Crossing, in 1983.

“When I found out Big Country were touring I tried to book them for the festival weekend in April,” explained festival organiser, Phillip Martin. “They could not do the date so decided to do the show in March. Tickets have been selling well and I am sure it will be a fantastic show. They have had so many hits in the 80s and 90s.”

The visit of Big Country will whet the appetite of music lovers in Nantwich ahead of the festival on bank holiday weekend, April 17-21.

For tickets see nantwichjazz.com