An invitation has gone out to singers, bands, choirs and musicians to audition for an annual Gorleston event which puts the winning entrants on a summer seafront stage.

Gorleston Makes Music provides a platform for performers to gain experience and exposure by singing and playing in front of picnicking crowds at the town’s bandstand.

The event, now in its sixth year, is run by the Gorleston Rotary Club, who say previous winners have gone on to get work in the entertainment industry and to perform at other Rotary events.

Now they are keen to recruit acts for auditions being held at the East Norfolk Sixth Form College on July 12 at 4pm.

“We are limited to 25 audition acts, so it will be a matter of first come first served and we would urge acts to contact us as soon as possible,” said event team leader Mike Getvoldsen.

“We had a good mix of solo, duets and choirs last year, but we would love to see more bands coming forward this time,” he added.

Audition judges will whittle the acts down to six to appear in the final from 1pm on August 19 at the bandstand which Rotary opened in 2008 to mark the centenary of the charity and friendship organisation.

It is used to host brass band concerts, but Rotary launched the Gorleston Makes Music competition to provide an extra event.

The competition has cash prizes for finalists, including £250 for the winner sponsored by solicitors Norton and Peskett, but has other benefits for successful acts.

“Previous winners have gained places at music college, worked on cruise ships and taken lead roles in amateur musical productions – and we hope taking part in Gorleston Makes Music has helped them all,” added Mr Getvoldsen.

Last year’s event was won by singing duo Ady Young and Nick Kitson.

Entries should be emailed to stuarthall1947@live.co.uk by June 30. Any entries aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The event is supported by sponsorship and further offers of financial help should be made to brian.sally.o@gmail.com

For more information see the events Facebook page @GorlestonMakesMusic