A music competition, which has helped launch the careers of a number of up-and-coming Norfolk and Suffolk acts, is set to return for its tenth year.

Eastern Daily Press: ED SHEERAN winner in 2008 performing at the Next Big Thing.ED SHEERAN winner in 2008 performing at the Next Big Thing. (Image: Archant)

Entries for the Next Big Thing, which is run by Norwich-based Future Radio, will open on Monday.

The competition will be held at the Open venue in Norwich later this year, which will host the semi-finals on September 20 and 27 and the final in October.

Daniele Fisichella, Future Radio station manager, said: 'Last year's Next Big Thing was such a success, I'm excited to announce the launch of this year's competition. Future Radio's Next Big Thing is the best up and coming music competition in the Eastern region, with a list of former winners who speak for themselves. I hope that last year's winner The Thinking Men, may well go on to be as successful as Ed Sheeran, who won in 2008.'

The final of the competition will be part of the Norwich Sound and Vision festival, giving the acts a chance to perform in front of music industry professionals from across the country.

The Next Big Thing is open to all musicians based in Norfolk or Suffolk who can enter for a chance to win a host of prizes, including a slot at Homegrown Festival in 2015, studio sessions at Future Studios of Norwich, and a poster and flyer package from Premier Print.

Rick Lennox, Open live music manager, added: 'It is not easy getting noticed these days so even by reaching the semi finals of the competition an act gains valuable awareness; playing in front of music fans, local promoters, journalists, and fellow musicians.'

To enter, visit www.futureradio.co.uk/nextbigthing