YOUNG bands are once again being given the chance to perform at one of the country’s most prestigious music festivals.

Up for grabs are four slots on the two main stages at this summer’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne.

The search to find bands and artists, organised by Jessica Foxley Unsigned, has now begun.

Jessica Foxley Unsigned was set up in 2010 in memory of a talented young singer and former Pendle Leisure Services employee Jessica who worked on the festival. It aims to provide high profile performance opportunities for young musicians.

Now in its ninth year, the unsigned artists programme has become one of the most keenly anticipated elements of the UK’s premier rhythm and blues festivals.

Jessica’s dad, Paul Foxley, who along with his wife Margaret is a driving force behind Jessica Foxley Unsigned, said: “We are always amazed at the standard of bands and artists who apply - it makes the judging process extremely difficult.

“The important thing is the quality of the artists.

“We have had applications in the past from all over the country and we want to encourage that; we want to give the best that are out there the chance to perform in front of a festival audience.”

Last year, for the first time, a traditional live audition process was changed to an online process with bands and artists being invited to submit examples of their music and clips of them performing live.

“We were a little apprehensive about this at first,” said Paul, “but it worked extremely well and it’s a format we will once again use this year. It also does away with the need for artists who probably aren’t making a lot of money from their music at this stage to travel long distances just for an audition.”

A judging panel has been assembled which includes musician Elles Bailey who will be performing n the main stage of the festival and Robert J Hunter, one of the four unsigned acts selected to play at last year’s festival.

“Jessica Foxley Unsigned was invited to nominate one act to take part in the UK Blues Challenge last year, so we selected Robert,” said Paul.

“And we have been asked to nominate someone for this year’s challenge too.”

Robert said: “JFU kick-started our career. We had been under the radar on the blues scene until we were offered the chance to perform at the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival and we have achieved so much since then.”

Artists apply online and will be judged on set criteria: originality, creativity, technical ability, musical compatibility (with a broadly based, contemporary blues festival) and entertainment value.

“We are very keen to bring variety to the festival and introduce new young talent,” said Paul.

Bands wishing to apply to Jessica Foxley Unsigned should visit www.jessicafoxley.com. The deadline is February 21. The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival runs from Friday, August 24 to Sunday, August 26. Details from www.bluesfestival.co.uk