Singer to win £1,000 in Northwich X Factor

A top prize of £1,000 and the chance to record the winning song are up for grabs for the songster who triumphs in the Northwich X Factor 2015, which starts on Sunday, January 11.

Organiser Joanne Storey said the event was inspired by the success of Northwich's Got Talent in January 2015, won by singer and songwriter Shaun Gibson, but that Northwich X Factor will focus on singers.

"In terms of the talent, I'm hoping it will be as good as the X Factor on TV," she said.

"We found a good one last year with Shaun and I hope we find someone his equal.

"It's about giving them a helping hand with their career.

"Look at Shaun – he won £500 last year, put it towards an EP and look how far he's come, he's gone viral in China.

"The possibilities are endless."

Shaun's version of cheesy Chinese pop hit Xiao Ping Guo, complete with a colourful and entertaining video, attracted more than 15 million hits within two weeks in the summer and saw him splashed across Chinese newspapers and the national TV news.

Shaun will also sing at the final of the Northwich X Factor this year.

Auditions take place at the Harlequin Theatre, in Queen Street, from 1pm on Sunday, January 11.

Admission is £2.

The competition is open to singers aged 12 and above.

Entry forms are available from Gaynor's Curtain Magic, in High Street, HD Travel, in Apple Market Street, Omnia Boutique and Northwich Art Shop, in Witton Street, the Iron Bridge pub, in Castle, Northwich Music Centre, in London Road, and the Harlequin Theatre.

For more information ring 01606 606033 or 01606 48883.

The final takes place at Winnington Park Recreation Club on Saturday, January 31.

The event is supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, Amplify Youth Music Project, Northwich and District Youth Centre, The Iron Bridge, HD Travel, compareandchange.com, Stage Coach, Northwich Music Centre, Northwich Independent Retailers Association, Quicksteps School of Dancing and Project 9 Studios.