Head down to UEA this Sunday to hear the sounds of the future, The Next Big Thing competition comes to a dramatic climax on Sunday when the final eight acts battle it out for the coveted winning position.

Head down to UEA this Sunday to hear the sounds of the future, The Next Big Thing competition comes to a dramatic climax on Sunday when the final eight acts battle it out for the coveted winning position.

Now in its fourth year, the Next Big Thing, organised by the EDP and Evening News, has proved a springboard for past winners.

This year the judges considered more than 100 acts and then oversaw two blistering nights of semi-finals.

David Powles, one of the event's judges, said: “We were really pleased with the quality over both nights and it was a really hard to decide who should go through.

“We think we have picked eight fresh, innovative and entertaining acts for the final. I just can't wait to see them on stage at the UEA. It should be a great night.”

The eight acts are all in with a chance of winning a superb package of prizes on the night of the final, including a single release by Norwich label NR One records, £1,000 of advice and guidance from Steeles specialist music solicitors and two days' recording time from Purple Studios.

There will also be a guaranteed support slot for a big name band at the UEA or Waterfront and free hair cuts from salon Kinki.

The finalists are Graffiti Sun, a folk/Celtic rock band that started out life as a Levellers tribute band, Norwich six-piece Ten Ten-Tackles and four-piece modern rock band Fortune Rookie.

One of the youngest performers, Rory Hill, who turned 16 in October, will be appearing twice on finals night - once as a solo artist and for the second time with his band The Kabeedies. The Norwich-based singer/songwriter performs on acoustic guitar, and plays music that is inspired by Neil Young, Nick Drake, Johnny Cash, The Unicorns and Donovan.

Also performing will be 19 year-old Alex Carson. A classically-trained pianist, Alex now concentrates more on writing and performing on the guitar. He cites his influences as Rufus Wainwright, Devendra Banhart, Ed Harcourt and Nick Drake.

Sixteen year-old Tom Cox, from Thurlton, will also performing as a soloist. Tom describes his music as indie with a hint of hip-hop.

Finally making up the line-up will be Norwich and Lowestoft band Icenis. This group has five members, who have all been playing together for seven years now, and play an original energetic mix of punk, pop, dance and Indie.

t Next Big Thing, Sunday, November 18, LCR, UEA, £5 through the UEA box office, or on (01603) 508050; you can also buy tickets on the door. Doors open 6.30pm.